Manipur police arrest two militants, arms smuggler; IED components recovered
Manipur Police carried out coordinated operations across multiple districts on 24 September 2025, arresting three suspects — an alleged arms smuggler and two active militants — and seizing a loaded 9mm pistol with ammunition as well as a substantial cache of improvised explosive device (IED) components, including around 470 grams of TNT and an electric detonator. The arrests and seizures are part of intensified security actions aimed at disrupting arms trafficking and bomb-making capabilities used by proscribed militant groups operating in the valley and surrounding districts.
On 24 September 2025, Manipur Police conducted synchronized operations across three districts. The outcome: three arrests tied to banned militant outfits and an arms trafficking ring. The most immediate, visible result was the seizure of a loaded 9mm pistol with live rounds, and — more alarmingly from a public-safety viewpoint — a range of IED components recovered from the Kakching/Kaibung area. This included metal canisters, fragmentation material (splinters), bomb casings and nearly half a kilogram of TNT along with detonators and other bomb-making paraphernalia — the sort of kit that transforms an act of violence into mass harm.
People’s names on arrest lists can give us clues about networks — age, alleged role, and the neighbourhoods involved. Here’s what was reported:
- Kangjam Rakesh Singh (48) — described as an arms smuggler from Brahmapur Bamon Leikai in Imphal East. He was apprehended at Moirangkhom Old Thumbuthong Makhong and found with a loaded 9mm pistol and live ammunition. If the accusation holds, people like him are middlemen: procuring, storing, and moving weapons to active cadres.
- Naorem Abinash Singh (19) — identified as an active PREPAK cadre, arrested near BT Park in Imphal West. Police additionally claim he had recently extorted Rs 5,000 from a resident in Kakching — a reminder that militants finance operations through local coercion as much as through outside support.
- Salam Kipjen Singh (45) — reported as an RPF/PLA operative, captured in the Tronglaobi area of Bishnupur district. Police recovered his motorcycle and communication devices, items commonly used to coordinate movements and collect “taxes” or intelligence.
- Loaded 9mm pistol + live rounds — small-arms capability for targeted killings, extortion with firearms, or shootouts.
- 470 grams of TNT — significant explosive mass that can be used to make a high-impact IED. Even sub-kilogram amounts, when shaped and combined with fragmentation, can be deadly in public places.
- Electric detonator and metal containers / splinters — indicators of bomb-building for shrapnel effect. The presence of detonators and fragmentation increases lethality.
- Mobile phones, SIMs, communication devices, and scooters/motorcycles — the mundane logistics and comms that keep networks running. Seizing these creates intelligence leads (call records, contacts, locations).
FAQs
Q1: When were the arrests made and how many people were detained?
A1: The coordinated operations took place on 24 September 2025, and authorities arrested three individuals — an alleged arms smuggler and two active militants.
Q2: What explosive materials were recovered?
A2: Officials reported seizure of IED components including an electric detonator, metal containers and fragments, and approximately 470 grams of TNT, among other bomb-making equipment.
Q3: Which militant groups were the suspects linked to?
A3: Reports identify suspects as linked to proscribed groups, including PREPAK and RPF/PLA; one suspect was identified as a suspected arms smuggler.
Q4: Should residents expect more operations or restrictions?
A4: Yes — after such seizures, police usually increase patrols, checkpoints, and targeted searches. Residents may see more security presence and should follow official guidance while avoiding circulation of unverified rumors.
Q5: What is the best way to report suspicious activity?
A5: Contact your local police station or use official state police helplines and verified social media channels. Provide clear, factual details (location, time, descriptions) and avoid confronting suspicious persons yourself.
