Manipur police arrest two militants, arms smuggler; recover IED components in counter-insurgency crackdown

In a major breakthrough in its ongoing counter-insurgency operations, Manipur Police arrested two suspected militants and an arms smuggler in coordinated raids across Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts on September 24, 2025. The arrests led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, ammunition, and components used in assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs), raising fresh concerns over the resurgence of underground networks in the region.

According to senior police officials, the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs received from local informants and surveillance teams. The arrested individuals are believed to be linked to banned insurgent outfits operating in the hill-valley border areas and were allegedly planning sabotage activities targeting security installations and public infrastructure.

Manipur Counter-Insurgency Operation – Arrests and Recoveries

The seized IED components include pressure switches, circuit boards, batteries, and shrapnel casings—indicating plans for low-intensity blasts aimed at disrupting civic life. Forensic teams have been dispatched to examine the materials and trace their origin, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been alerted for possible coordination.

Manipur Director General of Police Rajiv Singh stated, “This is a significant success. We have disrupted a potential terror module and prevented a major threat. Our teams are working round the clock to ensure peace and stability in the state.”

The arrests come amid heightened security deployment across Manipur following recent ethnic clashes and sporadic violence in sensitive zones. Intelligence agencies have warned of attempts by insurgent groups to exploit the unrest and revive dormant cells.

Recovered Items – Breakdown of Seizure

The arrested militants are currently being interrogated at a secure facility in Imphal, with preliminary reports suggesting links to cross-border arms suppliers and training camps in Myanmar. The arms smuggler, Abdul Rahman, is believed to be part of a larger network operating along the Indo-Myanmar border, facilitating the movement of weapons and explosives into northeastern India.

Manipur Insurgency – Recent Trends and Security Response

The Manipur government has reiterated its commitment to restoring law and order and ensuring the safety of civilians. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh praised the police force for its swift action and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Civil society groups and local leaders have welcomed the crackdown but called for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insurgency, including unemployment, alienation, and lack of development in remote areas.

Public Sentiment – Reaction to Arrests and Recovery

Security experts have emphasized the need for enhanced border surveillance, community policing, and inter-agency coordination to counter emerging threats. The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to review the situation and may announce additional support for anti-insurgency operations in the Northeast.

As investigations continue, the arrests mark a critical step in Manipur’s fight against insurgency and underscore the importance of proactive intelligence and community cooperation in maintaining peace.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available police statements, verified security reports, and media coverage. It does not constitute legal or investigative commentary. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.