Manipur: Security forces recover looted weapons, arrest NRFM cadre and associates in Imphal East
Security forces carried out search operations in the Kongba Maru hill range (Imphal East) and, on September 15, 2025, recovered a small cache of looted weapons — including an INSAS (5.56mm) rifle, a 9mm pistol, two .303 rifles, a 12-bore single-barrel gun and rounds of ammunition. A day earlier (September 14) an active cadre of the proscribed National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) — identified as Ningthoujam Yamba Singh (alias Boy / Sanayamba, 44) — was arrested, and two associates linked to extortion were later detained; items like a .32 pistol, mobile phones and an Aadhaar card were seized from them. Officials say the arrests and recoveries are part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts to curb extortion and trace the supply networks behind looted weapons.
On September 15, 2025, during a search operation in the Kongba Maru hill range and adjoining areas under Sagolmang Police Station (Imphal East), security forces recovered a small but important stash of looted weapons and ammunition:
- One 5.56mm INSAS rifle with magazine
- One 9mm pistol with magazine
- Two .303 rifles with magazines
- One 12-bore single-barrel gun
- Eleven live rounds of different calibers and five additional live cartridges
These recoveries came a day after the arrest (on September 14) of an active NRFM cadre, Ningthoujam Yamba Singh (alias Boy / Sanayamba, 44) of Keirao Bitra Awang Leikai, Imphal East. In coordinated follow-ups, two associates tied to extortion activities — Nongmeikapam Naresh Meitei (38) and Yumnam Tejkumar Singh (alias Bobo, 48) — were also arrested; from them, authorities recovered a .32 pistol (with three rounds), four mobile phones and an Aadhaar card. Officials have said investigations are ongoing to trace where the looted weapons originated and whether they connect to a larger supply chain.
FAQs
Q1: What weapons were recovered in Imphal East on September 15, 2025?
A1: Authorities reported recovering one 5.56mm INSAS rifle with magazine, one 9mm pistol with magazine, two .303 rifles with magazines, one 12-bore single-barrel gun, plus live rounds and cartridges during the search of the Kongba Maru hill range.
Q2: Who was arrested in connection with this operation?
A2: An active NRFM cadre identified as Ningthoujam Yamba Singh (alias Boy / Sanayamba, 44) was arrested on September 14, 2025; two associates — Nongmeikapam Naresh Meitei (38) and Yumnam Tejkumar Singh (alias Bobo, 48) — were detained subsequently for alleged extortion.
Q3: Are these incidents part of a wider security push in Manipur?
A3: Yes. Several joint operations across districts in recent months have led to multiple arms recoveries and arrests; authorities have intensified search operations and area-domination drives to stem the flow of illegal arms.
Q4: What does the seizure tell investigators about arms networks?
A4: Even a small seizure can offer forensic clues (serial numbers, ammunition patterns, phone leads) that trace weapons to their source or supply route. Arrests tied to extortion also point to funding mechanisms that sustain armed groups
Q5: How can civilians report extortion or suspicious activity safely?
A5: Use verified police hotlines, community policing channels, or anonymous tip lines if available. Local NGOs and legal aid groups can help protect witnesses and assist in documenting complaints while preventing retaliation. Officials usually advise documenting incidents (dates, times, phone numbers) and reporting promptly. (For region-specific contacts, check official state police releases or trusted local news bulletins.)
