Manipur police and security forces have intensified counter-insurgency and anti-narcotics operations across the state, resulting in a string of arrests and significant seizures on September 7.
The coordinated drive spanned multiple districts, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and curb the twin challenges of militancy and drug trafficking.
In Imphal East, police intercepted two individuals at Khabam Lamkhai under the Heingang police station. The accused—Pathan Azaman Khan of Khomidok Masjid Maning and Arjun Chingakham of Kongpal Khaidem Leikai—were found transporting 47 packets of cannabis weighing around 50 kilograms, neatly packed in four suitcases.
Authorities also recovered a mobile phone with a SIM card, which is under examination for possible links to trafficking networks.
In Imphal West, two active members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-Apunba) were apprehended from Lilong Chajing Mamang Leikai. The duo—Angom Silky Devi (22) and Oinam Niranjit Singh alias Alex (21)—were allegedly engaged in extortion and recruitment of local youths into the underground outfit. Police seized two mobile phones that may provide further leads into the group’s operations.
Meanwhile, in Tengnoupal district, joint forces arrested four young cadres affiliated with various Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) near Border Pillar 73 at Chongjang under Moreh police station. Those arrested include Ch Thoiba Singh (20) of Sekmai, linked to KCP-MFL, Pukhrambam Tondonba Singh (19) of Bishnupur linked to UNLF-K, Kh. Thoithoiba Singh (18) of Kakching is linked to the PLA, and Mayanglambam Borish Singh (21) of Kakching Wairi, also associated with the PLA.
A separate operation at Sekmai Pangantabi in Imphal West led to one of the biggest arms recoveries in recent months. The cache included an SLR rifle with a magazine, a modified .303 rifle, four single-barrel rifles, a revolver, a .22 pistol, two improvised explosive devices, bulletproof vests, assorted ammunition, communication sets, and tactical bags. Officials believe the weapons were being stockpiled for use by insurgent groups.
Alongside counter-insurgency measures, the police also continued their crackdown on law-and-order violations. On September 6, 13 vehicles were penalised for using tinted films, part of a state-wide effort to enforce traffic regulations and prevent misuse by criminal elements.
Manipur has been battling a complex security situation for decades, marked by the presence of multiple insurgent groups—both valley-based and hill-based—often involved in extortion, smuggling, and narcotics trade.
The state also sits on the sensitive “Golden Triangle” route, making it a key transit hub for drugs moving from Myanmar into India.
Recent months have seen renewed security pushes, particularly after the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement between the government and certain Kuki militant outfits was reaffirmed. While the accord raised hopes of peace in the hills, valley-based insurgent groups like the PLA, UNLF, and KCP continue to pose challenges.
A senior police official said the coordinated operations reflect a “zero tolerance policy against insurgency, narcotics, and illegal arms circulation”, adding that more follow-up actions are expected in the coming weeks.