NIA Conducts Major Operation in Manipur, Arrests 10 Individuals Linked to Ethnic Violence

In a significant operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested ten individuals connected to ethnic violence in Manipur. This coordinated effort, involving local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), targeted multiple districts where unrest has been prevalent. The NIA's spokesperson indicated that these arrests could provide critical insights into the planning and execution of violent incidents, including attacks on security forces and bank robberies. The ongoing investigations aim to uncover the broader networks behind these acts of violence, contributing to the government's efforts to restore peace in the region. As the situation develops, the NIA continues to pursue leads related to the unrest in Manipur.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 10:20 IST

Significant Arrests in Manipur's Ethnic Violence Cases

File image of Manipur Security Forces (Photo: AT)

New Delhi, June 20: In a significant crackdown, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended ten individuals implicated in various ethnic violence incidents in Manipur. This operation was executed in collaboration with the Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

On Friday, coordinated search operations were carried out across multiple locations including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Chandel, and Pherzawl districts, leading to the arrests of those believed to be involved in the ongoing unrest in the region.

An NIA representative stated that investigations into several cases indicated that the arrested individuals had actively participated in violent acts during the ethnic turmoil, which included assaults on security personnel, theft of weapons, and bank heists.

“These operations were based on thorough intelligence and field investigations conducted by the NIA in conjunction with state police and central security forces, aimed at identifying and prosecuting those involved in criminal and terrorist activities across communities in the state,” the spokesperson noted.

The NIA anticipates that these arrests will uncover crucial details regarding the planning and execution of violent acts, as well as the support networks behind them. The agency is also looking into potential connections among the various incidents and the individuals and groups involved in the conspiracies.

According to the spokesperson, these operations represent a significant advancement in the government's efforts to restore peace and security in Manipur while ensuring that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.

Ongoing investigations into the cases related to the violence in Manipur are still in progress, the spokesperson added.

The Manipur Police released a statement on Friday confirming the arrest of ten individuals in NIA cases during joint raids conducted by teams from the Manipur Police, NIA, and CRPF across various districts, including Churachandpur, Imphal, and Ukhrul. The cases include the robbery at the Ukhrul branch of Punjab National Bank, the arms theft from the 5th India Reserve Battalion, the murder of a woman from Jiribam Hmar, the abduction and killing of four Kukis, an attack on CRPF personnel at Narainsena, and an ambush on the Chief Minister's convoy.

The arms and ammunition theft from the 5th India Reserve Battalion camp in Chingarel Tezpur, Imphal East, occurred in February 2024, while the attack on CRPF forces took place in Naransena, Bishnupur district, in April 2024. The ambush on the Chief Minister's security convoy happened in Kangpokpi district in June 2024. Prior to these events, armed assailants had stolen approximately Rs 18 crore from the Punjab National Bank in Ukhrul on November 30, 2023.

Additionally, on Friday, security forces apprehended a juvenile member of the United Kuki National Army in Songpi village under the jurisdiction of Churachandpur Police Station. The Manipur Police also detained a member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) from the Maibam Leikai area in Imphal West district.