Manipur security forces arrest high-value PLA militant

Security forces in Manipur have achieved a significant counter-insurgency breakthrough with the arrest of Thiyam Boycha Singh, also known as Balin. A self-styled Captain of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Singh carried a ₹4 lakh bounty and was a key accused in the 2021 Churachandpur ambush that killed Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family, and four Assam Rifles personnel. The joint operation by the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police took place in the Thoubal district.

In a separate escalation of violence, tensions between Naga and Kuki tribal communities flared along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border. Arson attacks targeting houses in Taphou village led to an armed confrontation, resulting in a bullet injury to a CRPF Sub-Inspector. The violence triggered protests and a blockade on National Highway-2, affecting the Imphal-Dimapur route.

Additionally, security forces have conducted several other operations in the region, including the recovery of a large cache of firearms, grenades, and ammunition in Imphal East, and the arrest of an NSCN(IM) member in Arunachal Pradesh. Assam Rifles leadership also met with the Manipur Chief Minister to discuss strengthening coordination to maintain regional stability.