Arrested in Imphal, four individuals apprehended, with two identified as militants
In the ongoing fight against militant activities and arms smuggling in Manipur, India, security forces have made significant strides. Over the past weeks, operations across various districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Thoubal have led to the arrest of 39 militants belonging to various banned outfits such as the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) variants (PWG, Taibangnganba, Apunba, Noyon, MFL), the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
These arrests have been accompanied by the recovery of substantial amounts of arms and ammunition. In early August, joint forces recovered 69 different types of weapons and a cache of ammunition, including a 9mm pistol and its accessories. Additionally, 26 firearms were seized during separate operations in late July.
The arrested militants have been implicated in serious criminal activities, including kidnapping, extortion, ransom demands, and firing incidents. These activities have notably targeted schools and contractors in the Imphal valley and surrounding districts. Notable incidents include a PLA-led violent gunfight earlier this year that resulted in 24 fatalities, highlighting the ongoing violent conflict in the region.
The security forces remain vigilant, with ongoing investigations and operations to curb these criminal activities amid the complex insurgency environment in Manipur.
In a separate development, two individuals were arrested in Imphal East district on Monday in connection with the smuggling and sales of arms. Furthermore, an individual identified as an active cadre of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, aged 41, was arrested in Imphal West district on Tuesday for recruitment activities.
The Centre imposed President's rule in Manipur on February 13, and the state assembly has been put under suspended animation. The resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh led to this action. Parliament approved a resolution on Tuesday to extend the President's rule in the state for another six months beyond August 13.
The ongoing conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023 has resulted in more than 260 fatalities and displaced thousands. Despite these challenges, security forces continue their search operations in Manipur to maintain peace and order.
[1] The Indian Express [2] The Telegraph [3] The Times of India [4] The Hindu [5] The New Indian Express
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Manipur, especially the insurgency by various militant groups, is a prominent topic in general-news, with significant stories covering the arrests of militants, recovery of weapons, and reports of criminal activities.
- In the realm of politics, the imposition of President's rule in Manipur, followed by a parliamentary resolution to extend it for six months, has been a focus of discussion, along with the ongoing conflicts between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups and the resulting chaos. Crime-and-justice individuals are also being apprehended for their involvement in arms smuggling and sales in the region.
