Large Cache of Arms, Explosives Seized in Manipur; 17 Militants Held

Imphal, March 31: In a major crackdown on insurgent networks, security forces conducted a series of operations across Manipur between March 22 and 28, 2026, leading to the arrest of 17 cadres and the recovery of a significant quantity of arms, ammunition, and explosives.

As per reports, the joint operations were carried out by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles under Spear Corps, in close coordination with Manipur Police, across districts including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Tengnoupal.

The operations began on March 22, when Assam Rifles, along with Bishnupur Police Commandos, apprehended a KYKL cadre from Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district.

On the same day, another joint team arrested a PREPAK (PRO) cadre from Singjamei in Imphal West, recovering a mobile phone and SIM card.

In a separate action, 10 PREPAK (RA) cadres were apprehended by Assam Rifles along the Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district.

Additionally, on March 23, a joint operation led by the Indian Army in Chana village under Lamlai police station in Imphal East district resulted in the arrest of a KCP Apunba cadre, along with a mobile phone and SIM card.

Another operation in Sawombung led to the apprehension of a Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba) member.

A major arms haul was also reported on March 25 from Kangpokpi district, where Assam Rifles and Manipur Police recovered a cache that included a carbine with magazine, two pistols, four magazines, multiple single-barrel rifles, two improvised mortars, and a quantity of ammunition.

Continuing the operations, Indian Army units on March 26 recovered arms and explosives from Loilamkot in Churachandpur district.

The seized items included rifles, bombs, an improvised explosive device (IED), grenades, and ammunition.

On March 27, Assam Rifles apprehended a cadre of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Tengnoupal district.

In another operation the same day near the Indo-Myanmar border in Chalson area, two more cadres belonging to KYKL and KCP were arrested, and a mobile phone was seized.

The final operation on March 28 in Yangoubung village of Chandel district led to the recovery of six pistols with magazines, one single-barrel rifle, 15 IEDs, and two radio sets.

Officials stated that all arrested individuals and recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further legal proceedings.