Manipur police arrest two militants in coordinated crackdown across districts

Security forces arrested two cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) for their alleged involvement in extortion activities in Manipur’s Imphal East district , officials said on Wednesday.

According to police, the arrests were made during intelligence-based combing and search operations conducted on Tuesday. One militant, identified as Thokchom Tompok Singh (27) , a resident of Chana Mayai Leikai , was apprehended from his residence under the Lamlai Police Station jurisdiction.

In a separate operation the same day, another cadre, Urikhinbam Bijeshranjan Meitei alias Abaicha (24) of Yourabung Khunou , also under Lamlai Police Station, was arrested. A mobile phone was seized from his possession during the operation.

Police said the arrests were part of intensified security operations aimed at dismantling militant networks involved in extortion and other criminal activities across the state.

Meanwhile, security forces also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the forest area of Saivom Ridge in Tengnoupal district , near the Indo-Myanmar border. The recovered items included four 9 mm pistols , four pistol magazines, 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and several clothing and uniform items such as combat jackets, combat pants, a cap and a combat bag.

Officials said the explosives were safely destroyed in situ following standard safety procedures, and the seized materials were handed over to the respective police stations for further legal action.

The Kangleipak Communist Party , a separatist militant organisation formed in 1980 and engaged in armed insurgency in Manipur, is among several underground groups operating in the region.

Security forces have intensified operations across Manipur following the outbreak of ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023 , which has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of residents. Authorities say search operations and area-domination patrols are continuing to prevent militant activities and restore stability in the conflict-affected state.