IMPHAL, Feb 21: Security forces in Manipur have successfully arrested 18 militants from various proscribed outfits following multiple operations across Bishnupur and Kakching districts on February 20. The coordinated efforts mark a significant step in the state’s fight against insurgency.

In the first operation near Moirang Kiyam Leikai under Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur District, 13 active members of the Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL) were apprehended. The arrested individuals were identified as Khwairakpam Rojit alias Chingsanglakpa Singh (26), Kongkham Hemlet alias Thoungamba Singh (27), Leishangthem Amarjit alias Nongpok nganba Singh (24), Khwairakpam Bikram alias Rex Singh (42), Soiban Deepak Singh (33), Laishram Indrakumar alias Boi @ Nganba Meitei (36), Konthoujam Swamajit alias Thoujan Singh (36), Heisnam Premananda alias Rocky Meitei (33), Khundongbam Nimai Singh (29), Naorem Amarjit alias Thanil Singh (28), Abujam Ringku alias Thawairakpa Meitei (24), Moirangthem Inao alias Robin Singh (44), and Huirongbam Ibomcha alias Athoi @ Pammel Meitei (18).

The security forces seized several items from the arrested militants, including 14 rounds of 5.56 mm x 45mm live ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62 mm x 39mm live ammunition, 7 rounds of 7.62 mm x 51mm live ammunition, 3 walkie-talkies, 4 walkie-talkie chargers, 31 pairs of jungle boots, 9 mobile phones, camouflage clothes, and other tactical accessories.

In a separate operation near Sericulture Gate No. 2 at Kwakta Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station in Bishnupur District, two individuals—Moichingmayum Farid (28) and Md. Amar Shah (29)—were arrested, with authorities seizing approximately 1 kg and 866 g of suspected brown sugar contraband.

Further, an active cadre of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), identified as Hemam Bebeshwor Singh @ Paming (30), was arrested from Chingyang Lairenbi Ima Keithel, Ngariyan Ching near waiting shed under Andro-PS, Imphal East District. Singh was allegedly involved in extortion activities targeting the general public, government officials, and private firms.

Additionally, security forces apprehended Khaidem Benarrjit Singh alias Amuba (28) from Ibudhou Khonghaba Thangjing Laikon under Bishnupur Police Station, Bishnupur District, who is an active member of the Kanglei Citizens’ Party (KCP – City Meitei), and Mayanglambam Kiran Singh alias Tikendrajit (43) from the Kakching Sumak Leikai area under Kakching Police Station. Kiran Singh was reportedly involved in extortion activities targeting the public in Imphal West and Kakching areas.