Manipur Security Forces Crack Down: Six Arrested, Training Shelters Dismantled Amid Rising Insurgency
đź“° Quick Summary: Major Security Operations in Manipur
On April 12, 2025, Manipur’s security forces launched a series of coordinated operations across multiple districts, resulting in the arrest of six individuals linked to insurgent activities, extortion, and drug trafficking. The operations led to significant seizures, including arms, ammunition, narcotics, and extortion money. Additionally, temporary training shelters used by insurgent groups were dismantled in Churachandpur district.
đź“– In-Depth Analysis: Unpacking the Recent Security Operations in Manipur
🔍 Targeted Arrests Across Districts
The security operations spanned several districts, each yielding critical arrests:​
- Imphal East: Ahanthem Rajesh, a cadre of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF), was apprehended in Wangkhei, Porompat. Authorities recovered a Beretta pistol with 15 live rounds and two mobile phones from his possession. A subsequent raid on his hideout unveiled a cache of weapons, including an SMG Carbine Gun, pistols, magazines, a hand grenade, launching tubes, ammunition, rifles, blank rounds, cartridges, a handset, and ₹69,000 in cash.
- Imphal East: In a separate operation, Laishram Ramesh Singh, a 44-year-old UNLF (P) member and finance operative, was arrested from Khundrakpam Awang Leikai. He was allegedly involved in extorting government officials in and around Imphal. The operation led to the seizure of two mobile phones and ₹21.5 lakh in extortion money.
- Bishnupur District: Moirangthem Champion Singh, a 21-year-old cadre of the Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup (KYKL), was arrested, further disrupting the activities of this proscribed group.
- Tengnoupal District: Two individuals, Khaiminlen Lupho (36) and Boipu Gangte (40), were detained while dismantling and stealing CGI sheets from abandoned houses. The Border Security Force (BSF) later handed them over to the Moreh Police Station for legal proceedings.
- Imphal West: Kamal Hussain (44) was arrested in the North AOC area under Imphal Police Station. The operation resulted in the seizure of 1.013 kg of brown heroin, four vials containing 0.93 grams of heroin, a mobile phone, and identity documents.
- Tamenglong District: A joint operation in Tadbung village along NH-37 under Kaimai Police Station led to the recovery of two soap cases containing suspected heroin powder, weighing approximately 70–80 grams.
🏕️ Dismantling of Training Shelters
In Churachandpur district’s Gelmol village, security forces conducted area domination exercises and dismantled temporary shelters used as training camps by village volunteers associated with insurgent groups. This move aims to disrupt the training and mobilization of insurgents in the region.
🛡️ Strengthening Security Measures
The recent operations are part of a broader strategy to curb insurgent activities and restore peace in Manipur. Security forces have intensified patrols, established checkpoints, and increased surveillance in vulnerable areas to prevent the resurgence of militant activities.
âť“ FAQs: Understanding the Security Operations in Manipur
Q1: What prompted the recent security operations in Manipur?
A1: The operations were initiated to counter the rising insurgent activities, including extortion, drug trafficking, and the establishment of training camps by banned outfits.​
Q2: Which insurgent groups were targeted in these operations?
A2: The operations targeted members of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), its faction UNLF (P), and the Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup (KYKL).​
Q3: What were the significant seizures during these operations?
A3: Authorities seized a range of items, including firearms, ammunition, grenades, narcotics, mobile phones, and substantial amounts of extortion money.​
Q4: How are security forces addressing the issue of training camps?
A4: Security forces are conducting area domination exercises to identify and dismantle temporary shelters used as training camps by insurgent groups.​
Q5: What measures are being taken to prevent future insurgent activities?
A5: Enhanced surveillance, increased patrolling, establishment of checkpoints, and community engagement are among the measures being implemented to prevent the resurgence of insurgent activities.​