Major Crackdown in Manipur: 16 Militants Arrested and Weapons Seized

Joint Operations Yield Significant Results

Imphal: In a coordinated effort, the Army and various security forces have successfully apprehended 16 militants from different groups and confiscated 17 firearms, along with a substantial amount of ammunition and explosives across multiple districts in Manipur, officials reported on Monday.

According to a Defence spokesperson, the joint operation involving the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and the Manipur Police has led to the recovery of 17 weapons, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, and a significant stockpile of ammunition.

These items were seized from six districts in Manipur—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Senapati—spanning both valley and mountainous regions.

The intelligence-driven operations resulted in the capture of 16 wanted militants from various factions, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), in both hill and valley areas.

The recovered arsenal includes AK series rifles, INSAS rifles, carbines, self-loading rifles, modified .303 rifles, bolt-action single-barrel rifles, and .22 rifles.

The detained militants and the seized weapons have been handed over to the Manipur Police for further action.

These operations underscore the security forces' steadfast dedication to ensuring peace and stability in Manipur, as noted by the Defence spokesperson.

Additionally, the police have recovered three more stolen vehicles in a recent initiative aimed at retrieving vehicles taken by anti-social elements.

Since the onset of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, there have been numerous reports of vehicle thefts, with over 155 cars and 30 two-wheelers recovered since April 16.

The Manipur Police initiated a special operation on April 16 to recover stolen vehicles.

Security forces continue to conduct search operations and maintain a presence in vulnerable areas of both hill and valley districts.