MANIPUR SECURITY SWEEP: PREPAK MILITANT ARRESTED DURING VEHICLE CHECKS ON NH-37, TRAFFIC VIOLATORS BOOKED
Short Summary
On August 4, 2025, in a coordinated security operation along National Highway 37 (NH-37), Manipur security forces arrested Pangambam Kepten Singh (51), alias “Sachikanta,” an active cadre of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), from his residence in Haokha Maning Leikai, Thoubal district. Authorities seized a mobile phone with its SIM card and his Aadhaar card during the arrest. Simultaneously, routine vehicle inspections led to the detention of three vehicles for traffic violations—unregistered operation and missing number plates—and removal of tinted films from 18 vehicles. To secure essential movement, the police facilitated 417 vehicles along NH-37 under 111 newly established checkpoints, deploying convoys in vulnerable stretches to ensure the safe passage of goods
When Security Meets the Open Road
Imagine cruising down the lifeline of Manipur—NH-37—surrounded by lush green hills on one side and bustling markets on the other. For most of us, it’s a routine trip. But on the morning of August 4, 2025, that same highway became the stage for an intricate security ballet—combining counter-insurgency measures and traffic law enforcement in a single sweep. This operation, although seemingly routine, strikes at the heart of two critical challenges facing Manipur today: the lingering threat of underground militant outfits and the growing need for road safety and lawful mobility.
In this comprehensive deep-dive, we’ll explore how the Manipur Police, alongside paramilitary forces, executed this dual-purpose operation; the significance of arresting a PREPAK cadre; the ripple effects on public confidence and insurgent morale; and why tackling traffic violations is as vital to stability as securing borders. Buckle up—we’re taking you on a journey down NH-37, where every checkpoint has a story, and every vehicle carries the weight of Manipur’s security and prosperity.
The PREPAK Menace – A Brief Backdrop
Before we delve into the arrest, let’s rewind and understand PREPAK’s shadow over Manipur. Founded in 1977, the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) has long pursued an independent Manipur, often resorting to extortion, sabotage, and targeted violence. Although state forces have neutralized many leaders over the years, smaller cells—funded through illegal levies on businesses and transporters—continue to operate covertly, exploiting remote areas and vulnerable road stretches.
Why NH-37?
NH-37 is a crucial artery connecting Imphal in the west to Nagaland and Assam in the east. Militants rely on these highways to:
- Smuggle arms and ammunition
- Extort transporters and traders
- Maintain quick escape routes in case of raids
By targeting NH-37, authorities strike at the operational veins of insurgent outfits, cutting off supply lines and disrupting revenue streams.
Setting the Trap – Intelligence and Preparation
Turning Data into Action
Successful security operations are never serendipitous—they’re the culmination of months, sometimes years, of intelligence gathering. In the case of Pangambam Kepten Singh, insiders within the Manipur Police’s intelligence wing tracked suspicious communications routed through mobile networks in Thoubal district. Reports indicated that an active PREPAK operative was planning to rendezvous with field commanders near Haokha Maning Leikai.
At the same time, crime analysts observed a spike in extortion calls directed at bus operators on NH-37—an age-old PREPAK tactic. By collating call detail records (CDRs), satellite imagery of suspected hideouts, and informant testimony, planners identified a window of opportunity for a swift raid.
The Arrest of “Sachikanta” – Behind Closed Doors
Dawn Raid in Haokha Maning Leikai
At 5:30 AM, under the cloak of darkness, a combined team of Manipur Police commandos and CRPF jawans encircled a modest house in Haokha Maning Leikai, Thoubal district. Residents later recounted hearing muffled voices, the roar of engines, and the finality of commanding shouts: “Open up, police!”
Inside, Pangambam Kepten Singh, known in militant circles as Sachikanta, was jolted awake. He had no time to destroy evidence. Officers swiftly secured:
- One mobile phone with a fresh SIM card
- His Aadhaar card, confirming identity and residence details
To militants, digital footprints and state IDs are liabilities; yet, paradoxically, they still rely on mobile networks for coordination. This bust underscores that error: operating in the digital age without proper stealth invites exposure.
FAQs
- Who was arrested during the security sweep on NH-37?
Pangambam Kepten Singh, alias “Sachikanta” (51), an active PREPAK cadre from Haokha Maning Leikai in Thoubal district, was apprehended on August 4, 2025, with his mobile phone and Aadhaar card seized - Why were traffic checks conducted alongside the militant arrest?
Traffic enforcement—detaining unregistered vehicles and removing tinted films—helps curb militant activities by reducing anonymity, preventing contraband transport, and ensuring all vehicles on major routes comply with the law - How many vehicles and checkpoints were involved?
The operation facilitated 417 vehicles under protected convoy protocols and established 111 checkpoints across hilly and valley districts to intercept suspicious activity - What agencies collaborated in this operation?
The sweep was executed by Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles, and ITBP, combining local expertise with paramilitary capabilities. - What are the next steps to sustain security on NH-37?
Authorities plan to expand ANPR camera networks, deploy drone surveillance, integrate predictive policing analytics, and strengthen community engagement through village defense committees and mobile reporting tools.
