Crackdown in Manipur Security Forces Nab Five Recover Arsenal of Weapons

Imphal— In a major breakthrough for security operations in Manipur, four suspected militants and one associate were apprehended during a series of coordinated raids across the strife-hit state. Alongside the arrests, security personnel recovered a staggering cache of 26 firearms, adding a significant blow to the ongoing insurgent network in the region.

The arrests were made during separate operations carried out in the past 48 hours by combined forces of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and Central security agencies. According to officials, the crackdown targeted militant hideouts suspected to be involved in recent flare-ups of violence in the state.

Among the recovered weapons were sophisticated assault rifles, handguns, and several rounds of live ammunition. Authorities believe these weapons were being stockpiled for use in future attacks or for smuggling to other insurgent groups operating in the northeastern belt.

“The seizures and arrests are a result of our intensified efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure in Manipur,” said a senior police official. “We are closely tracking movements and communications of these groups, and more operations will follow.”

The identity of the detained individuals has not been disclosed, but initial interrogation suggests links with banned insurgent outfits operating along the India-Myanmar border. The arrests come amid renewed tensions in parts of the state, which has been battling ethnic and insurgent unrest for over a year.

Residents in affected areas have welcomed the crackdown but expressed concerns over the recurring instability and demand stronger, long-term measures to restore peace.

Authorities have heightened surveillance in the region and hinted at further arrests in the coming days.