Manipur Police Arrest Militants, Recover Arms & Contraband
Manipur police and security forces intensified operations across the state on August 29–30, 2025, arresting eight individuals linked to multiple militant groups and seizing a significant cache of arms, ammunition and contraband. The raids included the interception of a vehicle carrying 40 boxes of illegal “WIN” cigarettes at the Tengnoupal checkpoint (driver Md. Sahid arrested), arrests of cadres from groups such as RPF/PLA, SOREPA and PREPAK (Pro), and recoveries of rifles, pistols, grenades, night-vision equipment and radio sets from locations in Imphal East and Imphal West. Officials say the stepped-up actions underline an ongoing push to curb militancy, extortion and illegal trade across the state.
This recent spate of operations, carried out on August 29–30, 2025, saw eight arrests across strategic checkpoints and villages, and the seizure of weapons ranging from pistols and grenades to INSAS and SLR rifles, along with communications gear and contraband cigarettes. These are the tangible tools militants and smugglers use to fund and sustain violence; removing them matters.
The operation — timeline and turf
According to police briefings and press reports, the operations unfolded over two tight days:
- August 29, 2025: Security teams arrested four cadres near border pillar 86 in Tengnoupal district; operations traced to active militants in the valley area.
- August 30, 2025: Further arrests were made, including an RPF/PLA cadre arrested at Yumnam Patlou Chingjel, and a SOREPA operative detained near Sangaiprou FCI crossing. The same day, a major cache of arms and explosives was recovered from Kongba Maru Hill Range (Imphal East) and additional weapons were found in a site connecting Ngairangbam and Longa Koireng (Imphal West).
Who was arrested — names, affiliations and the pattern they reveal
The arrested individuals reported in the official accounts include a mix of alleged active cadres from different underground groups and suspects involved in illegal trade and extortion. Key names and details from the police briefing:
- Md. Sahid (35) — detained at Tengnoupal check post; found carrying 40 boxes of illegal “WIN” cigarettes
- Laishram Sanjoy Singh (52) — identified as an active cadre of RPF/PLA, arrested at Yumnam Patlou Chingjel; a mobile phone was recovered.
- Four PLA cadres detained near border pillar 86 (Tengnoupal): Chabungbam Nanaocha Meeitei (21), Waikhom Thoi Meitei (30), Ningthoujam Rakesh (25) and Tekcham Nanao Singh (25).
- Maisnam Abhi Singh alias Khomba (40) — an active cadre of SOREPA, arrested from Sangaiprou FCI crossing; reportedly linked to extortion with demand letters recovered.
- Konjengbam Bijen Singh alias Korou (41) — identified as a PREPAK (Pro) cadre, arrested at Tera Urak checkpoint.
The weapons and contraband seized — inventory and implications
The seizures were substantial and varied. Police reported recoveries that included:
- Two DBBL (double-barrel?) guns, three pistols with magazines, two pump-action guns, two hand grenades, assorted live rounds and communication sets from Kongba Maru Hill Range in Imphal East.
- From the IVR area connecting Ngairangbam and Longa Koireng (Imphal West): one SLR, one INSAS rifle, a modified .303 rifle, locally made weapons, pistols, magazines, night vision equipment, ammunition, and two Baofeng radio sets.
Add to this the large contraband cigarette haul seized at Tengnoupal (40 boxes), and you have both the lethal capacity for attacks and the commercial goods that often fund underground activities. The presence of night-vision equipment and radio comms is particularly noteworthy — these are force multipliers in low-intensity conflicts and often point to planned operations or surveillance capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) How many people were arrested in these operations and where did the arrests take place?
Police reported eight arrests across several locations including Tengnoupal, Imphal East and Imphal West during operations on August 29–30, 2025. Specific arrests included the driver detained at the Tengnoupal checkpoint and multiple cadres apprehended near border pillar 86 and other checkpoints.
2) What weapons and contraband were recovered?
Authorities recovered a varied cache: pistols, magazines, pump-action guns, hand grenades, live rounds, SLR and INSAS rifles, a modified .303, locally made weapons, night vision equipment, and Baofeng radio sets, along with 40 boxes of illegal “WIN” cigarettes seized at Tengnoupal.
3) Which groups were the arrested suspects linked to?
The detained individuals were reported as linked to several underground outfits, including RPF/PLA, PLA cadres, SOREPA and PREPAK (Pro), according to police briefings.
4) Will these arrests reduce violence immediately?
You might see a short-term dip in visible militant activity or extortion calls if investigators successfully disrupt funding and communications. However, long-term reduction depends on follow-through: forensic tracing, prosecutions, and sustained intelligence pressure. One operation helps, but it isn’t a silver bullet.
5) How can local residents help after such operations?
Residents can support by staying informed through official channels, reporting suspicious activity, cooperating with lawful inquiries, and avoiding the spread of unverified rumors. Community tips and cooperation often produce the leads that turn tactical wins into strategic gains.
