Manipur security forces tighten crackdown on insurgents, arms smugglers, and vehicle thieves

In a series of swift operations across Manipur, security forces have arrested multiple individuals linked to insurgent groups, arms smuggling networks, and vehicle theft gangs.

The crackdown, which unfolded over the last two days, is part of an intensified drive to restore law and order in a state grappling with prolonged unrest and rising criminal activity.

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On August 5, a team of security personnel apprehended an active member of the proscribed outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).

The accused, identified as Sagolsem Hemanta Singh (41) of Phumlou Keiroi Maning Leikai in Imphal West, was arrested from his residence.

According to police, Singh was actively involved in the recruitment of cadres for the banned group. A mobile phone was seized during the operation.

On the same day, another individual, Naobi Leishangthem (33), also known by the alias Youhenba, was arrested from a rented house in Lamphel Yaipha Leikai under the jurisdiction of Lamphel police station.

Leishangthem is reportedly associated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP – Military & Foreign Liaison). Authorities say he was involved in extortion, criminal mediation, and settling disputes — including crimes against women — through threats and coercion. A mobile handset and an Aadhaar card were recovered from his possession.

A day earlier, two suspected arms smugglers were nabbed from separate locations in Imphal East. The accused — Ningombam Abung Meitei (50) of Huidrom Awang Leikai and Ningthoujam Konungjao Meetei (33) of Keibi Khulen Makha Leikai — were found in possession of a 9mm pistol with a magazine, two live rounds, a Vespa scooter, two mobile phones, and an Aadhaar card. The arrests were made during a coordinated operation by state security personnel.

Efforts to tackle vehicle thefts have also been stepped up. On August 4, two alleged vehicle lifters — Md. Mufasin (20) of Lilong Makha Leikai and Md. Aman (20) of Lilong Lou Tara — were arrested from Lilong Dam near the Anjuman Office in Thoubal district.

Police recovered a stolen Royal Enfield Interceptor motorcycle, which had been reported missing from Lilong Kaleikhong.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Police Traffic Division continued its enforcement drive against traffic violations. On August 5 alone, police issued 63 challans amounting to Rs 99,500 in fines. On the previous day, tinted films were removed from nine vehicles, and one vehicle was detained for rule violations.

According to officials, these actions are part of a larger push involving intelligence-based combing operations and cordon-and-search drives aimed at dismantling insurgent infrastructure, breaking extortion networks, and reducing overall criminal activity.

The fresh wave of arrests comes at a time when the state remains under heightened security measures. Manipur has been experiencing ethnic tension and political instability since May 2023, leading to the extension of President’s Rule, recently approved by the Rajya Sabha.

Authorities say the operations will continue, and further arrests may follow as investigations into the cases progress.