Four militants arrested in Manipur during separate security operations in Kakching, Thoubal and Imphal East districts, police said. The arrests were carried out on June 24 and 25 in operations targeting alleged members and associates of several banned insurgent organisations. Authorities also recovered a pistol and live ammunition in one of the operations.
The latest arrests come amid continued security operations across the state aimed at curbing insurgency, extortion and other activities linked to proscribed outfits. Police and security forces have been conducting intelligence-based operations in vulnerable areas of the Imphal Valley.
Four militants arrested in Manipur in separate operations
According to police, one of the arrested persons was identified as Shamjetshabam Kokfai Meitei, 26, an alleged associate of the proscribed Socialist Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA). He was apprehended from his locality at Kakching Khunou Umathel Mathak Leikai in Kakching district on June 25.
Police alleged that Kokfai was involved in extortion activities. His arrest formed part of the security drive against insurgent networks operating in the valley districts.
On the same day, security forces arrested Konsam Oken Meitei, alias Maijao, Malemnganba and Bode, 36, from Wangjing Sabal Leikai under Khongjom police station in Thoubal district. He was identified as an alleged active cadre of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Organisation of the Kangleipak Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL). He is a resident of Heirok Part-III, Kabo Leikai, in Thoubal district.
Arrests in Imphal East target alleged insurgent links
The operations also extended to Imphal East district, where security personnel detained two alleged insurgent operatives on June 24.
Wangkheirakpam Romeo, alias Baruni and Koubru, 45, was arrested from Top Makha Leikai near Shagolsem Pukhri under Porompat police station. Police identified him as an alleged recruiter of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-Pro).
Another suspect, identified as RK Bothoi, alias Amit and Sinthangamba, 30, was arrested from Yairipok Kakmayai Lamkhai under Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district. He was described as an alleged cadre of the proscribed Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Revolutionary Front (NRFM).
A .32 pistol, a magazine and three live rounds were recovered from Bothoi during the operation, according to officials. The recovery adds to concerns over the movement and use of illegal firearms by insurgent networks in the region.
Security forces step up operations
The arrests reflect the continuing efforts of Manipur Police and other security agencies to disrupt underground organisations and their alleged support networks.
The three districts involved — Kakching, Thoubal and Imphal East — are among the valley areas where security agencies have previously reported arrests linked to extortion, recruitment and arms-related activities. Earlier operations have also resulted in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, communication equipment and other materials allegedly connected with insurgent groups.
In May 2026, security forces carried out extensive operations across several Manipur districts, with authorities reporting recoveries of illegal weapons and arrests linked to banned outfits. Such operations have remained an important part of efforts to strengthen security and prevent militant groups from carrying out intimidation or extortion.
Four militants arrested in Manipur amid wider security drive
The latest action also highlights the continued focus on intelligence-led policing. Rather than relying only on large-area searches, security agencies have increasingly targeted specific individuals based on information about their alleged activities and links with banned organisations.
Officials said investigations into the latest cases are continuing. The arrested individuals are expected to face further questioning to establish their alleged roles, organisational connections and possible involvement in other activities.
The recovery of a firearm and live rounds in one case could also help investigators examine possible links between weapons networks and insurgent groups operating in the valley.
Police maintain pressure on banned outfits
The four militants arrested in Manipur are linked, according to police, to different proscribed organisations, underlining the fragmented nature of the insurgency landscape in the state. The cases involve allegations ranging from recruitment and extortion to militant activity and possession of illegal arms.
Authorities have continued to urge residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide information about suspicious activities. At the same time, investigations into individual arrests remain subject to due legal process.
The latest arrests in Kakching, Thoubal and Imphal East show that security agencies are maintaining pressure on underground networks across Manipur. With investigations still underway, officials are expected to examine whether the suspects have wider links to insurgent operations, extortion networks or arms movement in the state.
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