Imphal, August 26: In a major counter-insurgency crackdown, Manipur Police arrested two active militants from banned outfits and recovered a large cache of arms and explosives during anti-terrorism operations conducted across the state between August 24–25.
The arrested cadres belong to the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) and the People’s Liberation Army, both proscribed organisations notorious for extortion and armed activities against civilians.
On August 24, police apprehended 41-year-old Oinam Somenchandra Singh, alias Macha, Langamba, and Moirangjao, a KCP (PWG) operative, from Taothong Khunou under Lamsang police station in Imphal West. A pistol with magazine was recovered from him. Singh was allegedly running extortion rackets targeting shopkeepers and civilians in the valley areas.
On the same day, 23-year-old Phanjoubam Ramanada Singh, alias Tiger and Panamba, a cadre of the People’s Liberation Army, was arrested at Huikap Makha Leikai under Andro police station in Imphal East. Police seized a mobile phone and SIM card from his possession.
The operations culminated on August 25 with the discovery of a major weapons cache at Singtom village under Sugnu police station in Kakching district. The seized arms included an INSAS rifle, a bolt-action rifle, two 51mm mortars, seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs), four Pompi launchers, 56 rounds of assorted ammunition, tear smoke shells, tactical gear, and communication equipment.
Security officials termed the recovery significant, noting the presence of multiple IEDs posed “serious threats to civilian populations.” Authorities said the coordinated operations dealt a major blow to underground militant networks and ongoing extortion campaigns in the region.
