IMPHAL, May 6: In a major crackdown, Manipur Police and security forces conducted a series of coordinated combing and cordon-and-search operations across multiple districts on May 5. The extensive intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of multiple insurgents and the recovery of arms and ammunition.

On May 5, three active cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), or KCP (PWG), were apprehended from Keirao Wangkhem and adjoining areas under Irilbung Police Station in Imphal East district. The arrested individuals were identified as Naorem Rabichandra Singh (30) from Thoubal, Yengkokpam Premchand Singh (22) from Thoubal, and Ningthoukhongjam Bikash Singh from Bishnupur district. Security personnel seized a cache of sophisticated weaponry from them, including an AK rifle, an A1 rifle, an M4 rifle, an SLR rifle, a .303 rifle, multiple rounds of live ammunition, and a wireless communication device.

In a separate operation conducted on the same day at Mantripukhri French Colony under Heingang Police Station, four more active cadres of KCP (PWG) were arrested. They were identified as Wahengbam Bimal Meitei (25), Sorenshangbam Sanjana Devi (25), Senjam James Singh (30), and Wangkheimayum Tarun Singh (24), all residents of Imphal West and Thoubal districts. The group was allegedly involved in intimidating civilians by planting hand grenades and ammunition in various locations across the valley. Recovered from their possession were two pistols with ammunition, five KCP (PWG) demand letters, mobile handsets, Aadhaar cards, hand gloves, a camouflage cap, a wallet containing cash, and a two-wheeler.

In another operation under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East, one active cadre of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), identified as Moiranthem Oken (55), was arrested from Sawombung Kabui Khunjao near Sawombung Bridge. He was allegedly engaged in extortion targeting shops in the Imphal area. Security personnel recovered a 9 mm pistol with loaded magazines, a hand grenade, a detonator, mobile phones, and a sling bag from his possession.

Later the same day, police arrested Sanabam Ratan Singh (60), another active member of the KCP (PWG), from Keibung Oinam Leikai under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West. Two mobile phones and an Aadhaar card were seized from him.

In Thoubal district, two more active KCP (Apunba) cadres were arrested from an abandoned hut in Heirok Laimayum. Identified as Soibam Adit Singh alias Kalamu (19) and Ningthoujam Ngairamba Meitei alias Ibungo (19), the duo was reportedly involved in extortion. Police recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards, and a wallet from them.