Manipur security forces arrest nine insurgents and honor gallantry awardees

Security forces in Manipur have conducted significant operations involving both individual recognition for gallantry and the apprehension of insurgent militants.

Lieutenant Colonel Maneo Francis of the 21 Para (Special Forces) was awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for exceptional service in counter-insurgency operations. Additionally, six members of the Manipur Police received President's Police Medals for distinguished and meritorious service during the Independence Day honors.

In separate intelligence-based operations, joint teams from the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and state commandos arrested nine cadres from banned insurgent groups, including the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), and the United Kuki National Army (UKNA). The operations, conducted across the Thoubal, Kakching, and Churachandpur districts, resulted in the recovery of an AK-47, a .303 Light Machine Gun, several INSAS rifles, pistols, explosives, and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition. Officials stated the arrests disrupted extortion modules and security tracking networks used by these groups.