Manipur: Insurgents’ Floating Camp Destroyed in Bishnupur Operation
đź“° News Summary
In a significant operation on April 29, 2025, central security forces dismantled an insurgent hideout situated on the floating biomasses of Loktak Lake in Manipur’s Bishnupur district. Acting on credible intelligence, the joint team launched an extensive search in the Nachou Patangkhong area, leading to the discovery and destruction of a suspected Kangleipak Communist Party – People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) camp. The operation resulted in the recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives, and other materials, which were handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation.
The Floating Fortress: Loktak Lake’s Hidden Threat
Loktak Lake, often referred to as the “lifeline of Manipur,” is renowned for its unique floating phumdis—masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter. While these floating islands are ecological marvels, they have also been exploited by insurgent groups as concealed bases for their operations.​
The recent operation in the Nachou Patangkhong area underscores the strategic use of these phumdis by insurgents. The dense vegetation and remote location provide natural cover, making detection and surveillance challenging for security forces.​
Operation Details: Uncovering the Hidden Cache
The joint operation, involving central security forces and local police, was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs. The team targeted the area between Nachou Patton and Ningthoukhong Patton Mamang, suspecting the presence of insurgent hideouts
During the search, a hut on the floating biomass drew attention. Believed to be a KCP-PWG camp, the structure was unoccupied at the time, suggesting that the insurgents had fled prior to the operation. The hut was subsequently dismantled, and a significant cache of items was recovered:
- One SLR Rifle with one magazine
- One 9 mm country-made pistol with one magazine
- Four 36 high explosive hand grenades with one arming ring
- Two detonators
- Two Lathode bombs
- One 81 mm mortar shell
- Two smoke shells
- Two straw mattresses
- One rubber tube
- Eleven blankets
- One pillow cover
- One Supreme plastic water tank
- Seventeen fishing nets
- One pair of track pants
- One bed sheet
- One cooking utensil​
These items indicate the camp’s use as a logistical and operational base for insurgent activities.
Security Implications: A Step Towards Stability
The successful dismantling of the insurgent camp is a significant achievement for security forces in the region. It disrupts the operational capabilities of the KCP-PWG and sends a strong message to other insurgent groups exploiting the region’s geography.​
Moreover, the operation highlights the importance of intelligence-led actions and inter-agency coordination in counter-insurgency efforts. By targeting the logistical hubs of insurgent groups, security forces can effectively weaken their operational strength and reduce threats to regional stability.​
Broader Context: Insurgency in Northeast India
Manipur, like several other northeastern states of India, has witnessed insurgent activities for decades. Groups like the KCP-PWG have been involved in various anti-national activities, including extortion, arms smuggling, and attacks on security forces.​
The challenging terrain, porous borders, and socio-political complexities of the region have often been exploited by these groups. However, sustained efforts by security forces, coupled with developmental initiatives, have led to a gradual decline in insurgent activities.​
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Kangleipak Communist Party – People’s War Group (KCP-PWG)?
A1: The KCP-PWG is an insurgent group operating in Manipur, involved in activities like extortion, arms smuggling, and attacks on security forces.​
Q2: Why are floating phumdis on Loktak Lake used by insurgents?
A2: The dense vegetation and remote location of phumdis provide natural cover, making them ideal for concealed insurgent camps.​
Q3: What was recovered during the Bishnupur operation?
A3: Security forces recovered arms, ammunition, explosives, and various logistical items from the dismantled insurgent camp.​
Q4: How does this operation impact insurgent activities in the region?
A4: Dismantling the camp disrupts the operational capabilities of the insurgent group and serves as a deterrent to others.​
Q5: What measures are being taken to prevent such insurgent activities?
A5: Security forces are conducting intelligence-led operations, enhancing surveillance, and promoting developmental initiatives to address the root causes of insurgency.​
