Manipur security forces arrest militants and drug peddlers

Security forces in Manipur have arrested six militants and six drug peddlers during a series of joint operations conducted over a 24-hour period. The arrests were made through coordinated efforts involving the Manipur Police and central forces, including the Assam Rifles.

The militants, which include one woman, are linked to banned organizations such as the People’s Defence Army, Manipur (PDA), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK). Authorities state these individuals were involved in kidnapping, attacks on civilians, recruitment, and the forcible collection of subscriptions.

In addition to the arrests, security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons, including an AK-56 rifle and several INSAS rifles, along with ammunition and incriminating documents. In separate operations in the Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts, six drug peddlers were apprehended with large quantities of heroin and opium valued at several crore rupees.

Counter-insurgency operations, including search and area-domination exercises, remain ongoing across sensitive and mixed-population areas in the state.