The Indian Army and Assam Rifles, in coordination with Manipur Police, conducted a series of joint security operations from August 31 to September 6, resulting in the arrest of 11 cadres from various hill and valley-based militant groups.
According to a Ministry of Defence press release, the operations were carried out across Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Chandel, Thoubal, Kakching, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts. Security forces recovered five weapons, narcotics, and other war-like stores during the drive.
One of the most significant recoveries was made on September 6, when a nine-foot rocket filled with high explosive and weighing around 100 kg was seized during a joint search near S. Lonphai village in Churachandpur district. On the same day, Assam Rifles apprehended four individuals during a mobile vehicle check at Waikhong Bazar in Kakching district and seized 690 litres of spurious liquor.
Earlier, on September 4, Assam Rifles and Thoubal Police Commandos arrested a suspected KCP (PWG) cadre in Waithou, Thoubal district. Weapons seized in Bishnupur included an NSAS rifle, two single-barrel guns, a country-made pistol, four PEK sticks, detonators, assorted ammunition, and cordex wire.
On September 3, four cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and People’s War Group (PWG) were arrested in Imphal West, while an active cadre of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was apprehended in Bishnupur. A day earlier, Assam Rifles and Imphal East police arrested a PREPAK (PRO) cadre involved in extortion in Khongampat.
In a separate operation on September 1, Assam Rifles and the Narcotics Control Bureau seized 138.5 kg of opium worth ₹6.9 crore from a concealed cache near British Camp in Chandel district.
Officials said the coordinated crackdown demonstrates the Armed Forces’ resolve to curb militancy, illegal arms trade, and narcotics smuggling in Manipur.
