In a significant breakthrough for security forces in Northeast India, a wanted insurgent linked to the deadly 2017 ambush on Assam Rifles personnel has been apprehended in Manipur. The successful operation marks a crucial development in the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the region.
Joint Operation Nets Wanted Militant
A coordinated team comprising Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles personnel conducted a precise operation that led to the capture of Koijam Ibochouba, a 45-year-old member of the banned Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA). The arrest took place on November 17, 2025, from a residential building located in the Sagolband area of Imphal West district.
Security officials confirmed that the arrested individual held the position of a self-styled major within the PLA hierarchy. The operation was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the suspect's whereabouts, demonstrating improved coordination between different security agencies operating in Manipur.
Criminal Background and Multiple Aliases
The captured insurgent operated under several aliases including Inao, Sumo, and Pansareng, a common practice among militants seeking to evade identification. Investigators have established his involvement in the 2017 ambush targeting Assam Rifles personnel, an incident that had caused significant casualties and raised serious security concerns in the state.
Intelligence sources indicate that Ibochouba had been actively involved in PLA operations for several years and was considered an important figure within the organization's command structure. His arrest is expected to provide valuable information about the group's current operations and future plans.
Significance of the Arrest
This apprehension represents a major achievement for security forces battling insurgency in Manipur. The Peoples' Liberation Army has been one of the most persistent militant groups in the region, with numerous incidents of violence attributed to its members over the years.
The successful joint operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between state police and central paramilitary forces. It also sends a strong message to other militant elements that security agencies remain vigilant and capable of tracking down wanted individuals regardless of how long they have evaded capture.
Security analysts believe this arrest could disrupt certain operational capabilities of the PLA, at least temporarily, while also providing intelligence that might lead to further breakthroughs in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Northeast India.
