The Manipur attack investigation has led to three arrests and the recovery of 12 firearms following a deadly assault at Sunurok Hill that killed three people and injured three others. Manipur Police and central security forces launched joint search operations to identify those responsible and recover weapons.
On October 20, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo confirmed the arrests during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Mantripukhri, Imphal. He said preliminary investigations indicated that two arrested individuals had admitted to participating in the assault team, while investigators continued examining the third person’s role.
Manipur attack: Police intensify search operations
Following the October 19 violence, security personnel intensified searches around S Phailenkot and neighbouring villages under Sagolmang police station. Manipur Police worked alongside the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its CoBRA unit during the operation.
The assault at Sunurok Hill, also reported as Sunulok Hill, occurred near the boundary between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. The attack claimed three lives and left three other people injured, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety in the region.
Moreover, the arrests represent an important development in the investigation. However, police have not established the full circumstances of the incident or identified everyone allegedly involved.
Authorities are continuing efforts to trace additional suspects and determine how the attackers obtained their weapons. Investigators are also examining information provided by the arrested individuals.
Manipur attack probe leads to 12 firearms seized
The joint operation resulted in the recovery of 12 firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and several explosive materials, according to police. Officers said the recoveries followed disclosures made by the arrested individuals during the investigation.
The seized weapons included INSAS, M16 and A1 rifles, an AK-47-type rifle, a 7.62 mm sniper rifle and a Heckler & Koch 5.56 mm rifle. Security personnel also recovered three 12-bore single-barrel guns, a lethod gun and a handmade rocket launcher.
Additionally, police reported recovering 1,095 rounds of ammunition of different calibres. Other seized items included explosive materials, hand grenades, locally made bombs, handmade mortars and detonators.
Radio sets, batteries, helmets, uniforms and poppy seeds were also among the recovered items, according to reports of the police briefing.
The seizure forms a key part of the ongoing Manipur attack investigation. However, authorities must establish the origin of the weapons and determine whether they are connected to other incidents.
Manipur attack: 17 detained near Sinai Camp
In a separate operation, joint security teams searched the area around Sinai Camp, a designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp. The operation involved Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA, the Border Security Force, Assam Rifles and the Army.
During the search, security personnel detained 17 individuals for identity verification. According to the police briefing, their identities reportedly did not match the lists of cadres maintained by the organisations associated with the camp.
Furthermore, officials said they were examining reports of missing ammunition and magazines. Investigators were checking whether the missing items had any connection with the weapons recovered during the searches elsewhere.
The detentions form part of a separate verification exercise. They do not, by themselves, establish that those detained were involved in the Sunurok Hill attack.
Meanwhile, senior security officials conducted surveillance in the affected areas. Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh also visited the attack site as authorities coordinated their response.
Manipur attack investigation continues amid tensions
The latest arrests come amid continuing security concerns in Manipur, where fresh violence has heightened fears of further unrest. The deaths and injuries in the October 19 attack have renewed calls for effective action against those responsible.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and identify other people who may have participated in the assault. The authorities have not yet publicly established the complete chain of events leading to the attack.
Moreover, the recovery of firearms and ammunition has added another dimension to the investigation. Officials must determine whether the seized weapons are linked to the assault and whether any wider network supplied or transported them.
The separate operation around Sinai Camp is also under scrutiny as security personnel verify identities and investigate the reported ammunition shortage.
Finally, police have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel. They have also urged the public to avoid spreading rumours or circulating unverified information on social media.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as officials examine the evidence and question those arrested. For now, the priority remains establishing responsibility for the deadly assault, recovering any remaining illegal weapons and preventing further violence.
Authorities have stressed the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed while maintaining peace across affected communities. The coming days will be important in determining whether the arrests and weapons seizures lead to further breakthroughs in the case.
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