Manipur Police and Assam Rifles have arrested four suspected insurgents during a joint search operation in Chandel district, officials said on September 3.
The operation was carried out on September 1 near Border Pillar 59 in the general area of Aivomjang village under Molcham Police Station. Security personnel launched the operation as part of continued efforts to track insurgent activities in the border district.
The four arrested individuals were allegedly associated with two different insurgent groups, according to the police.
Joint Search Operation Conducted Near Border Pillar 59
The joint operation by Manipur Police and Assam Rifles was conducted in the area near Border Pillar 59, close to Aivomjang village in Chandel district.
Chandel, which shares a border with Myanmar, has remained an important focus area for security agencies because of its difficult terrain and proximity to the international border.
Security forces conducted the search operation in the area on September 1, leading to the apprehension of four suspected insurgents. Police said the arrested individuals were residents of Bishnupur and Thoubal districts, as well as the Moirang area.
Four Suspected Insurgents Apprehended
The arrested persons were identified as Thiyam Jotiraj Singh, 19, of Moirang Thana Leikai in Bishnupur district; Oinam Benarji Singh, 18, of Charangpat Mamang Leikai in Thoubal district; Huidrom Rajesh Singh, 28, of Moirang Ngangkhalawai; and Khundongbam Lemba Singh, 31, of Heirok Part-I in Thoubal district.
According to Manipur Police, three of the arrested men are suspected to be associated with the United National Liberation Front (K), while Oinam Benarji Singh is suspected to be linked to the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive).
Further investigation is expected to determine the nature of their alleged activities and possible connections with insurgent networks operating in the region.
Mobile Phones and Cash Recovered
Police said mobile phones and cash were recovered from the four arrested individuals during the operation.
The recovered cash included 12,115 Myanmar kyat and Rs 10 in Indian currency, according to the police.
The recovery of Myanmar currency has drawn attention because the operation was conducted close to the India-Myanmar border. Security agencies have been maintaining surveillance in border areas amid concerns over the movement and activities of insurgent groups.
Officials are expected to examine the seized items as part of the ongoing investigation into the case.
Chandel Remains Focus of Security Operations
Chandel district has witnessed several security operations in recent months as Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and other security agencies continue intelligence-based searches against insurgent networks.
In August, security forces carried out another operation in Chandel following inputs regarding the presence of suspected insurgents near another border pillar, resulting in the arrest of an alleged PREPAK cadre and the recovery of an INSAS rifle, ammunition and other items.
The latest operation reflects continued coordination between state police and central security forces in monitoring vulnerable areas and responding to intelligence inputs.
Security Agencies Continue Coordinated Operations
Security forces have intensified coordinated operations across different districts of Manipur in recent months, targeting suspected insurgent cadres, illegal arms and militant infrastructure.
The joint operation in Chandel is part of these continuing efforts to strengthen security and prevent insurgent groups from carrying out activities in the state.
Police have not disclosed further details about the alleged roles of the four arrested individuals. Investigations are underway, and additional information may emerge as security agencies examine the evidence recovered during the operation.
The arrest of the four suspected insurgents marks another significant development in ongoing security operations in Manipur, particularly in border districts where security agencies continue to maintain close surveillance.