MANIPUR PREPAK‑PRO ARREST & WEAPONS HAUL: A DEEP DIVE

Summary of the News Article

Security forces in Manipur arrested a cadre of the banned PREPAK‑Pro outfit during coordinated operations across three valley districts—Imphal East, West, and Thoubal. The arrest, involving a 28-year-old cadre named Soibam Rabichandra Singh (alias Khaba), also led to the recovery of an arsenal of weapons: SLRs, rifles (.303, 7.62 mm), grenades, anti‑riot shells, tear smoke rounds, a para bomb, and a bulletproof jacket. The operation was conducted by a joint team of Manipur Police and central security agencies. 

Manipur has been grappling with insurgency for decades, with multiple militant outfits vying for autonomy, secession, or political leverage. Every arrest, every recovered weapon cache, becomes a ripple—one that hints at either progress or escalating conflict. This latest operation targeting PREPAK‑Pro is a textbook example of intelligence-led action, disrupting one thread in a complex, violent tapestry.

The Arrest Operation: Coordinates, Cadre, Cache

• When & Where: On Saturday, in simultaneous raids across Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal districts.
• Who was arrested: Soibam Rabichandra Singh, alias Khaba, 28, resident of Tronglaobi Makha Leikai, Imphal West.  
• Agencies Involved: Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles, and intel units.
• Trigger: Specific intelligence led to arrest at Taothong Khunou under Lamsang PS.

Weapons Recovered: From Rifles to Grenades

The haul included:

• 1 × .303 rifle with magazine
• 1 × 7.62 mm SLR with magazine + 48 live rounds
• 1 × 12-bore bolt action rifle
• 1 × 12-bore SBBL rifle
• 1 × No.36 hand grenade
• 1 × para bomb (51 mm ILLG)
• Tear smoke and anti-riot shells (CS, rubber bullets)
• 1 × bulletproof jacket (no plate)

FAQs

Q1: Who are PREPAK‑Pro?

A: A militant faction of the banned PREPAK, advocating for an independent Manipur using armed resistance. 

Q2: What weapons were seized?

A: Multiple high-powered rifles (.303, 7.62 mm, 12-bore), SLR, grenades, anti‑riot shells, and a bullet‑proof jacket. 

Q3: How was the operation conducted?

A: Joint forces—Police, CAPF, Assam Rifles—used intelligence to arrest one cadre across three districts. 

Q4: Why is this significant?

A: It’s a direct disruption of militant capacity, reducing possible criminal or insurgent activity in the valley.

Q5: What happens next legally?

A: The arrested cadre will be charged under UAPA; further raids and weapon tracing are underway to dismantle larger networks.