Security forces in Manipur ramped up their operations on January 8 and 9, leading to the dismantling of large-scale poppy plantations, the arrest of multiple insurgent cadres and extortionists, and the recovery of a significant haul of weapons, ammunition, and explosives across various districts of the state.
On January 9, a joint operation involving security forces, the forest department, and an executive magistrate led to the destruction of around 40 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in the Ngatan Hill Range, under Senapati police station in Senapati district. During the operation, authorities also dismantled 11 makeshift huts and confiscated materials used for poppy cultivation, including fertilizers, salt, irrigation pipes, and spray pumps.
In ongoing efforts to combat extortion and militant activities, Manipur Police and security forces arrested several active members of banned insurgent groups. On January 8, an active member of the KCP (Noyon) faction, Nandeibam Rosen Meitei (36), from Yumnam Patlou Mamang Leikai in Imphal East, was apprehended in Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai. A mobile phone was seized from him.
On the same day, an alleged extortionist and active cadre of PREPAK (PRO), Thoudam Nanaobi (50), from Uripok Yambem Leikai in Imphal West, was arrested in the Lamboikhongnangkhong area under Lamphel police station. A mobile phone was also recovered from him.
Security forces also detained an active member of the RPF/PLA, Wahengbam Bimal Meitei alias Luwang alias Mani (26), from the Nagaram area under Lamphel police station on January 8. A resident of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai in Imphal West, he was found in possession of ten demand letters purportedly issued by the “Government of the People’s Re-Public of Nagalim,” along with three mobile phones, a pocket diary, an Aadhaar card, and a white Maruti Alto car.
Authorities also reported significant arms and ammunition seizures from various locations. On January 9, security forces recovered two carbines, an improvised .303 rifle, two improvised single bolt-action rifles, a No. 36 hand grenade, a detonator, a smoke grenade, 14 rounds of ammunition of different calibers, and four magazines from the Ikop Pat area of Thoubal district.
In another operation that same day, arms and war-like stores were recovered from the hill ranges of Natum Ching and Sanasabi, under Yaingangpokpi police station in Imphal East district. The seized items included a single-barrel rifle, a country-made AK rifle without a magazine, a bolt-action rifle, a No. 36 hand grenade, three military helmets, a bulletproof jacket with a plate, improvised 81mm and 51mm light launch grenades (para bombs), 20 rounds of live ammunition, and two tube launchers.
On January 9, police in Kakching district intercepted two individuals transporting illegal alcohol in the Sora Chingwangba area under Kakching police station. The suspects, Nongthombam Kishan Singh (25) and Bimol Singh Nongthombam (30), both from Imphal East, were found with 1,008 beer cans and a Maruti Gypsy vehicle.
In another operation on the same day, security forces seized explosives and ammunition from the Thangjing foothills under Churachandpur police station in Churachandpur district. The recovered items included a locally-made rocket filled with explosives, five improvised explosive devices weighing around four kilograms in total, three pompi shells (3 kg each), 23 single-barrel rounds, and two empty cartridge cases.
Security agencies have emphasized that extensive combing, cordon, and search operations are continuing across the state to disrupt militant networks, curb extortion, and prevent illegal activities, as part of broader efforts to restore normalcy and strengthen law and order in Manipur.
