In a series of coordinated counter-insurgency operations, Manipur Police and Security Forces have made significant strides in curbing militant activities across the state. Over the 2-3 days, multiple individuals linked to banned insurgent outfits were arrested, and a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and materials used for unlawful activities were recovered. These operations highlight the intensified efforts by authorities to dismantle militant networks engaged in extortion, arms smuggling, and other disruptive activities.
Key Arrests and Recoveries
On February 18, Manipur Police apprehended Romeo Laishram (50), a sympathiser of the banned KCP (PWG) group, from his residence in Yurembam Awang Leikai, under Patsoi Police Station, Imphal West. During the raid, authorities recovered a 7.65 mm pistol with a loaded magazine containing five rounds, an ammunition box with ten rounds of 7.65 mm ammunition, and a pistol holster. Laishram’s arrest is seen as a significant blow to the group’s logistical support network in the region.
In a separate operation, Security Forces arrested Thokchom Sanathoi Singh alias Chongthoiba (24), an active cadre of the banned PREPAK (PRO) group, near the Mahindra Showroom on Tiddim Road under Moirang Police Station, Bishnupur District. Sanathoi was reportedly involved in recruiting and mobilising resources for the outfit.
Another PREPAK (PRO) cadre, Salam Sitoljit Singh alias Seventy alias Sevenkumar (36), was arrested from Uripok Khumanthem Leikai under Imphal Police Station, Imphal West. Singh was allegedly involved in extortion activities targeting the general public. A mobile handset, believed to have been used for communication and coordination, was seized from his possession.
In a significant operation, Manipur Police arrested Waikhom Ibungo Meitei alias Mangal (26), a member of the banned RPF/PLA, from Hatta Golapati near Public Hospital under Porompat Police Station, Imphal East. Meitei was reportedly involved in extorting money from the public, government officials, and educational institutions. His arrest is expected to disrupt the group’s funding network in the area.
Security Forces also arrested Thokchom Ajit Singh alias Nanao (40), an active cadre of the banned PLA, from the Leimaram Canal area under Nambol Police Station, Bishnupur District. A mobile phone with a Jio SIM card was seized from him. Singh’s arrest is part of ongoing efforts to neutralise the PLA’s operational capabilities in the region.
In a major development on February 17, 2025, Security Forces arrested Chongtham Manglemjao Meitei alias KK Nganba alias Kangleikhonba Nganba (70), the self-styled Chairman of the banned KCP (KK Nganba) group, along with another active cadre, Laishram Manglemba Singh (57), from Langol Ningthou Leikai under Lamphel Police Station, Imphal West District. The arrest of the group’s top leadership is expected to significantly weaken the outfit’s operational capabilities.
Recovery of Arms and Ammunition:
During extensive search operations and area domination exercises conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts, Security Forces recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. The recoveries include:
– 01 HK Automatic Rifle with magazine
– 03 country-made Pull Mechanism Rifles
– 01 Single Barrel Bolt Action Rifle
– 01 .32 Pistol with magazine
– 01 .22 Pistol with magazine
– 01 Mortar (Pumpi)
– 05 Mortar Bombs (Pumpi)
– 01 Kenwood Motorola Handset
– 03 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition
– 04 rounds of 9 mm Sniper ammunition
These recoveries were made from T. Khullen village under New Keithelmanbi Police Station, Kangpokpi District. The operations underscore the Security Forces’ commitment to rooting out insurgency and restoring peace in the region.
Authorities have reiterated their resolve to continue targeted operations against insurgent groups operating in Manipur. A senior police official stated, “These arrests and recoveries are a testament to the relentless efforts of our forces to dismantle militant networks and ensure the safety and security of the people. We will not tolerate any form of extortion, arms smuggling, or disruptive activities that threaten peace in the state.”
Comments