04 August,2026 11:33 AM IST | Imphal | mid-day online correspondent
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Security forces arrested a 42-year-old militant belonging to a banned insurgent outfit in Manipur's Kakching district and recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and communication equipment during a separate operation in Kangpokpi district, police said on Tuesday.
According to police, the arrested militant is a self-styled major of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) [KCP (Apunba)].
He was apprehended from his residence in the Wangoo Mameiching area of Kakching district during a targeted operation conducted on Monday.
Police said the arrest was part of the ongoing crackdown on militant organisations operating in the state. The accused is being interrogated, and further investigations are underway to determine his alleged role in the activities of the banned outfit and identify possible links to other insurgent networks.
In a separate operation carried out on the same day, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the Makokching hill range under the jurisdiction of Saikul Police Station in Kangpokpi district.
The recovery was made during search operations conducted in vulnerable areas as part of intensified security measures across the state.
According to the police, the seized arsenal included one M16 rifle, one Mark III rifle, one sniper rifle, one .22 bolt-action rifle and seven pistols. Security personnel also recovered 25 single-barrel guns, four pumpis, three hand grenades and 20 detonators.
In addition to the firearms, 76 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres and four radio communication sets were seized from the area. Police said the recovered weapons and equipment have been taken into custody for further forensic examination and investigation.
The twin operations come as security forces continue search operations and area domination exercises across Manipur to curb the activities of militant groups and recover illegal weapons.
The state has remained under heightened security since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023.
The clashes have claimed the lives of more than 260 people and displaced thousands of residents, prompting repeated security operations by the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces and the Manipur Police.
Authorities have stepped up efforts to restore normalcy by carrying out coordinated intelligence-based operations, recovering illegal arms and taking action against members of banned organisations.
Police said such operations will continue across sensitive and vulnerable areas to maintain law and order and prevent further violence.
(With inputs from PTI)
