Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Dec 14: In a series of coordinated operations over the past 24 hours, security forces in Manipur arrested seven militants, including two women cadres, from multiple districts and recovered arms, ammunition and narcotics, officials said on Sunday.
According to police sources, five of the arrested militants are linked to banned outfits — the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK). These arrests were made from various locations across Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts.
In a separate operation, joint teams of central and state security forces apprehended two active women cadres of the UNLF (Koireng faction) from the Moirangkampu Sajeb Makha Leikai area in Imphal East district. The arrested individuals were identified as Takhellambam Sanathoi Chanu, also known as Loingakpi or Sanathoi (19), and Kongbrailakpam Rameshori Devi, alias Langlen, Bemma or Buchu (19). Two mobile phones were recovered from their possession.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police also arrested an alleged drug peddler, Baseimayum Yaibi (47), from Porompat Pangal Leirak in Imphal East district. During the search, heroin hidden inside seven soap cases was seized, with the estimated market value pegged at Rs 16 lakh.
Officials said intelligence-led combing operations, cordon-and-search drives and area domination exercises are being carried out extensively across both valley and hill districts to target extortion networks and other criminal elements operating in the state.
During one such operation in Kakching district, security forces recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition. The seized items included a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) without a magazine, a locally made bolt-action sniper rifle with an empty magazine, a double-barrelled bolt rifle, a single-barrelled bolt rifle, a locally made pistol with an empty magazine, and one 36 HE hand grenade without a detonator.
Authorities said intensified crackdowns against militant groups remain underway, with heightened surveillance in fringe areas, mixed-population zones and other vulnerable pockets across districts.
To strengthen security, 113 checkpoints and nakas have been established throughout Manipur, covering both hill and valley regions, aimed at preventing the movement of militants and suspicious vehicles.
Security forces are also escorting vehicles, including trucks carrying essential goods, along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Convoy protection and strict security measures continue in sensitive stretches to ensure uninterrupted and safe transportation.
The Manipur Police have appealed to citizens to remain cautious and avoid believing rumours or misleading content circulating on social media. In a statement, police warned that sharing or uploading fake videos or audio clips would invite legal action, advising the public to verify information through the Central Control Room.