Manipur: Kuki outfit chief arrested in Churachandpur; arms, cash, vehicle seized
In a high-stakes operation, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police arrested Paokholen Guite, self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the outlawed Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA), at a hideout in Churachandpur district. Security forces seized two AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition (including 7.62 mm rounds for AK and SLR/LMG), Rs. 1 lakh in cash, a Hyundai Creta vehicle, a bulletproof pouch, and two mobile phones. Guite is alleged to be involved in arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and extortion, coordinating with non-SOO (Suspension of Operations) groups like UKNA. The arrest occurred at S. Munuam, under Churachandpur Police Station jurisdiction.
- Targeting & intelligence gathering
Security forces — including Assam Rifles in coordination with Manipur Police — targeted a suspected hideout in S. Munuam, Churachandpur district. The check-point and action were timed over the preceding 36 hours. - Arrest of Paokholen Guite
Guite, a resident of P. Mongjang Village, was apprehended from that hideout under the jurisdiction of Churachandpur Police Station. He is described as the self-styled Commander-in-Chief of CKMA. - Seizure of arsenal and resources
Upon arrest, security forces recovered a substantial cache:- Two AK-47 rifles
- Two AK-47 magazines
- 31 rounds of 7.62 mm AK ammunition
- 150 rounds of 7.62 mm SLR/LMG ammunition
- Rs. 1,00,000 (one lakh rupees) in cash
- One bulletproof pouch
- One Hyundai Creta (vehicle registration 24 BH 0676B)
- Two mobile phones
- Links to other groups & crime networks
Authorities say Guite was actively collaborating with non-SOO groups such as United Kuki National Army (UKNA), involved in arms and drug trafficking — especially across the India-Myanmar border — and was engaged in extortion activities. - Broadcast & confirmation
The Manipur Police confirmed the arrest via social media (X/Twitter), stating the operation was on 01.10.2025 and identifying Guite by name.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Paokholen Guite and why was he arrested?
A1: Paokholen Guite is the self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA). He was arrested from a hideout in Churachandpur district (S. Munuam area) by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police. The operation led to the seizure of weapons, cash, a vehicle and communications devices.
Q2: What was seized during the arrest?
A2: Authorities recovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62 mm AK ammunition, 150 rounds of 7.62 mm SLR/LMG ammunition, Rs. 1,00,000 in cash, a bulletproof pouch, a Hyundai Creta vehicle, and two mobile phones.
Q3: What is CKMA and what is its status with respect to ceasefire agreements?
A3: CKMA (Chin Kuki Mizo Army) is a militant outfit operating in Manipur. Unlike some Kuki insurgent groups that have signed Suspension of Operations (SOO) agreements with the state or central government, CKMA remains a non-SOO organization, making it a target of enforcement actions.
Q4: Why is the arrest of a militant leader important for security dynamics?
A4: Arresting a leader can disrupt command structures, seizure pipelines for arms/drugs, and financial flows. It also acts as a deterrent to associates. But its long-term value depends on intelligence follow-up, dismantling of the network, and preventing resurgences.
Q5: What challenges remain after such an arrest?
A5: Key challenges include proving criminal charges in court (linking Guite to crimes beyond the seized items), preventing network replacements or retaliation, maintaining community trust, and ensuring security forces act with judicial propriety so operations are not vulnerable to legal contestation.