Manipur Security Forces Launch Major Crackdown, Arrest Four Militant Cadres
Security forces across Manipur have significantly intensified search operations, resulting in the arrest of four individuals allegedly involved in extortion and other criminal activities linked to militant organizations. According to a detailed press note issued by Manipur Police, the arrests were made in coordinated efforts spanning multiple districts.
Details of the Arrests and Operations
In Imphal East district, security personnel apprehended Sagolsem Joychandra Singh, a 47-year-old extortionist and active cadre of the militant group PREPAK (Pro). The arrest took place at Kongba Nandeibam Leikai. Separately, in Imphal West district, forces arrested Seram Manimatum Meetei, a 20-year-old active cadre of PREPAK, from Senjam Khunou Mayai Leikai.
Another operation in Kakching district led to the arrest of Takhelambam Mohen Singh, identified as an extortionist cadre of the KYKL militant group. He was nabbed from the Kakching Lamkhai area under the jurisdiction of Kakching police station. Additionally, on Friday, security forces arrested Sorokhaibam Rosses, a 40-year-old lieutenant of UNLF (K), from the Canchipur area in Imphal West district.
Recovery and Destruction of Explosives
During further extensive operations, security forces recovered mortars and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the general area of Yangoubung along the sensitive Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district. The explosives were subsequently destroyed in situ by a specialized bomb disposal team, as confirmed by police authorities.
Crackdown on Illegal Poppy Cultivation
In a separate joint operation, security forces collaborated with the forest department to destroy approximately 70 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at Sihai hill in Ukhrul district. Four huts located at the plantation site were also burnt and destroyed as part of the crackdown on narcotics production.
Enhanced Security Measures Across Manipur
Police officials stated that a total of 114 nakas or checkpoints have been installed across various districts of Manipur, encompassing both hill and valley regions. While no detentions were reported at these checkpoints, strict security protocols are being enforced. The movement of 303 vehicles carrying essential items along National Highway-37 has been ensured with security convoys provided in sensitive stretches to guarantee free and safe passage.
NATGRID Training Programme for Police Officers
Earlier, Manipur Police organized a comprehensive one-day training programme on the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) at the auditorium hall of the New Manipur Police Headquarters in Mantripukhri. Conducted with assistance from the NATGRID team under the Ministry of Home Affairs, as per directions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the programme aimed to familiarize approximately 150 officers from various units with NATGRID's advanced features and operational scope.
The training, attended both physically and via video conferencing, focused on enabling better intelligence sharing and data-driven investigations to enhance security operations in the region.
