National/ Security Desk
7 June
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist and Research Analysist
Security forces in Manipur have arrested three militants connected to two banned outfits in separate operations. The arrests took place on Friday in the Bishnupur, Kakching, and Imphal West districts, according to a senior official.
One of the arrested individuals is an active member of the banned Kanglipak Communist Party (People’s War Group). He was caught from the Wangoo Samushang area of Bishnupur for his alleged involvement in extortion and ransom-related activities. The militant was reportedly pressuring schools, colleges, shopkeepers, and elected members in the Kumbi area to pay money.
Another member of the same banned group was arrested from the Elangkhanpokpi Maya Leikai area in Kakching district. In a separate operation, a cadre of the banned United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) was arrested from Khumbong Bazaar in Imphal West district.
Search operations by security forces continue in the border and sensitive regions of hill and valley districts, aiming to maintain law and order in the conflict-affected state.
Weapons and Explosives Recovered
In a major development, the police also recovered a cache of weapons and explosives. During a search operation in Kotzang village of Kangpokpi district, forces recovered three firearms, eight mortars, and other related materials.
On Thursday, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also found in Yangoubung village of Tengnoupal district.
Since May 2023, after ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, over 260 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced. In response, the security forces have been conducting continuous operations to prevent further violence and maintain peace in the region.