Manipur: 9-ft country-made rocket recovered in Churachandpur; militants arrested
Security forces in Churachandpur district, Manipur, recovered a 9-foot-long, country-made rocket fitted with explosives and a detonator during operations on October 5–7, 2025. Multiple insurgent cadres were arrested in separate raids connected to the discovery. The rocket is reported to weigh about 200 kg, and was found near the villages of S Lonphai and Tuikong — a recovery that officials say prevented a potentially deadly attack.
- Discovery & recovery: Security forces located a long, tubular, country-made rocket in Churachandpur on or around October 5–7, 2025. Officials say the device was fitted with explosives and a detonator, making immediate handling dangerous.
- Location: The rocket was recovered in the vicinity of S Lonphai and Tuikong villages in Churachandpur district — areas that have seen militant movement and hideouts previously.
- Arrests: In separate raids linked to the discovery, security forces arrested multiple insurgent cadres. Different outlets report varying numbers, but the arrest operations were described as coordinated follow-ups after the seizure.
- Public statements and media reports: Police and security agencies released statements confirming the recovery and arrests; national wire agencies and regional media carried the story citing officials and local police bulletins.
- 9 feet long: That’s enormous for a locally made device. It means the launcher or deployment would likely be from a distance (not handheld) — making the rocket suitable for area attacks against convoys, security posts, or populated targets.
- ~200 kg weight: A 200-kg device indicates heavy explosive load or a combination of explosive plus metal casing and propulsion charge. That weight means transportation and concealment need more coordination — suggesting a group with logistics, not a lone actor.
- Explosive + detonator fitted: The presence of a detonator makes the device primed for action — not a scrap or a dud. It requires explosive-ordnance expertise to defuse, making the recovery by security forces riskier and more technically demanding.
FAQs
Q1: How big and how dangerous was the rocket recovered in Churachandpur?
A1: Authorities reported the device as about 9 feet long and weighing roughly 200 kg, fitted with explosives and a detonator — a sizeable, highly dangerous device that required EOD specialists to secure.
Q2: Where exactly was the rocket found?
A2: The rocket was recovered in the vicinity of S Lonphai and Tuikong villages in Churachandpur district, Manipur — rural locations that have been used historically as concealment areas by militants.
Q3: Were any people arrested in connection with the recovery?
A3: Yes — security forces conducted separate raids and detained multiple insurgent cadres believed to be linked to the cache. Reports vary on numbers, but outlets confirmed follow-up arrests tied to the seizure.
Q4: Could this rocket be linked to earlier attacks in Manipur?
A4: Investigators will test components and explosive residues to check for links. Past rocket attacks (for example, the September 2024 Moirang incident) make such forensic comparisons especially important. If matches are found, it would help attribute responsibility for prior incidents.
Q5: What should local residents do if they encounter suspicious items or people?
A5: Do not touch or move suspicious objects. Evacuate the immediate area, alert local police or security forces, and provide any observations (time, vehicle descriptions, faces) to authorities. Community tips are often crucial for locating caches — but always prioritise personal safety.
