Manipur police arrest six militants, seize weapons cache
Manipur Police launched a statewide crackdown and arrested six militants across multiple districts, including suspected recruiters and extortion operatives linked to the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) / People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG). Authorities detained Leimapokpam Marjit Singh (alias Khaba) for alleged recruitment activity, apprehended a 44-year-old RPF/PLA cadre Wangkhem Santikumar Singh (seized a loaded .45 Glock, cash and a vehicle), and two other RPF/PLA operatives in Imphal West. Separately, two PWG members were arrested in Imphal East. Security forces also recovered a major weapons cache near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district — including a Heckler & Koch G4, four other firearms, two improvised mortars, two hand grenades and a tube launcher. The operation was reported on October 5, 2025.
Police reports and local coverage make the sequence straightforward, though the details underline the coordinated nature of the operation:
- Targeted arrest of a recruiter (Oct 3): On October 3, authorities detained Leimapokpam Marjit Singh (Khaba) at his home in Hiyanglam Makha Leikai. Police say he was suspected of recruiting youths for the RPF/PLA and seized a mobile phone believed to contain evidence of recruitment activity in Kakching district.
- Multiple detentions across districts (same day): The sweep continued — police arrested a 44-year-old RPF/PLA cadre, Wangkhem Santikumar Singh, in Bishnupur district the same day. In Imphal West’s Chingmeirong area, two more alleged RPF/PLA operatives (aged 31 and 27) were detained; police say they ran an extortion racket targeting valley residents. A loaded .45 Glock pistol with 11 rounds, three mobile phones, Rs 1.26 lakh in cash, a four-wheeler and documents were recovered.
- Arrests of PWG operatives (Oct 4): The next day, investigators arrested two members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) in Imphal East — both reportedly 44 years old — accused of extorting hospitals, government staff and civilians across valley areas.
- Major weapons cache found (Oct 4): Separately, security forces recovered a substantial weapons cache near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district on October 4. The haul included a Heckler & Koch G4 rifle, four other firearms, two improvised mortars, two hand grenades, and a tube launcher.
- Leimapokpam Marjit Singh (alias Khaba), 23: Arrested at his residence in Hiyanglam Makha Leikai. Police allege he was recruiting youths for the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) — groups listed in some reports as proscribed. Investigators seized a mobile phone they believe contains recruitment evidence in Kakching district. If true, this arrest disrupts a funnel that moves vulnerable youth into armed groups.
- Wangkhem Santikumar Singh, 44: Detained in Bishnupur. He’s identified as an RPF/PLA cadre. Police recovered a loaded .45 Glock with 11 rounds, three mobile phones, Rs 1.26 lakh, a four-wheeler, and documents — items consistent with both operational capability and financial activity (extortion/payments).
- Two alleged RPF/PLA operatives (aged 31 and 27): Arrested in Chingmeirong, Imphal West. Police allege they ran an extortion racket and mediated debt collection through threats — a common revenue stream for armed groups. The presence of a firearm and cash supports the extortion allegation.
- Two Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) members (both 44): Arrested in Imphal East on October 4. Authorities assert they extorted money from hospitals, government officials, and civilians — again highlighting how armed groups sometimes diversify income beyond insurgent operations.
FAQs
Q1: How many militants were arrested and where did the operation take place?
A1: Six militants were arrested across multiple districts in Manipur during a statewide crackdown; detentions included Kakching, Bishnupur, Imphal West and Imphal East. The operation and seizures were reported on October 5, 2025.
Q2: Who was the recruiter arrested and why is his arrest important?
A2: Leimapokpam Marjit Singh (alias Khaba) was arrested from Hiyanglam Makha Leikai and is accused of recruiting youths for the Revolutionary People’s Front and its armed wing, the PLA. Disrupting recruiters targets the insurgents’ manpower pipeline.
Q3: What weapons and explosives were recovered from the cache?
A3: Security forces recovered a Heckler & Koch G4 rifle, four other firearms, two improvised mortars, two hand grenades, and a tube launcher near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district.
Q4: Were any financial assets or tools of extortion recovered?
A4: Yes — police seized Rs 1.26 lakh, a four-wheeler, three mobile phones and documents from suspects in Imphal West, which police say were connected to extortion activities.
Q5: What happens next — will more arrests follow?
A5: Investigators will analyze phones, documents and ballistics to map networks; if leads are solid, follow-on arrests and cache recoveries are likely. Successful prosecutions and community cooperation will determine whether the operation has lasting impact.