Manipur Police arrested an alleged People’s Liberation Army (PLA) cadre, recovered a cache of weapons and explosives, and seized suspected heroin during three separate operations across Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts between October 24 and 26.
The operations involved police commandos and central security personnel. Meanwhile, two men were arrested in a separate anti-narcotics drive in Bishnupur, where officials seized 208 grams of suspected heroin. Investigations into the arrests and recoveries are continuing.
Manipur Police Arrest Alleged PLA Cadre in Imphal West
On October 25, a team from the Manipur Police Special Commando Unit arrested 61-year-old Tourangbam Arunbabu Singh during a search operation at Uripok Panchai Maning in Imphal West district.
The area falls under Imphal Police Station. Police identified Singh as an active cadre of the PLA, the armed wing of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF).
However, the arrest does not establish guilt, and further investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the case. Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the allegations or any possible links to other incidents.
The operation forms part of the security forces’ continuing efforts to identify suspected insurgent activity and maintain security across Manipur. Further details may emerge as investigators examine the case.
Manipur Police and CRPF Recover Arms Cache
On October 26, a joint team comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force’s MN Sector Quick Action Team and Range Imphal Quick Action Team, along with the Imphal East Commando Unit, recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials.
The recovery took place near the foothills of Bongbal Khollen in Imphal East district. The team found several types of firearms, grenades, ammunition and communication equipment during the operation.
The seized weapons included an A1 rifle with a magazine, a .303 light machine gun and two 9mm pistols with magazines. Security personnel also recovered three 12-bore guns, comprising double-barrel and single-barrel firearms.
Additionally, the cache contained three No. 36 hand grenades without detonators, a Chinese hand grenade, an MG-2 rifle grenade and a Pompi shell.
Four wireless radio sets and a charger were also among the recovered items. Officials reported a large quantity of assorted ammunition, although a complete round-by-round breakdown was not provided in the available report.
Manipur Police Seize Suspected Heroin in Bishnupur
Meanwhile, Bishnupur District Police conducted an anti-narcotics operation on October 24 and arrested two men travelling in a Volkswagen Polo towards Kwakta Bazar.
Police identified the arrested men as Md. Wahajuddin, 19, a resident of Bengoon Makha Leikai in Mayang Imphal, and Shenaz, 25, from Khergao Makha Leikai in Porompat.
During the operation, officers seized 208 grams of suspected Heroin No. 4 and impounded the vehicle. The substance was described as suspected heroin, and its seizure does not by itself establish the guilt of either arrested individual.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged source of the narcotics or their intended destination. The case remains subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Separate Operations Highlight Security Challenges
The three operations addressed different concerns: suspected insurgent activity, the recovery of potentially dangerous weapons and explosives, and the movement of illegal narcotics.
Although the actions took place in separate districts and on different dates, the recoveries highlight the range of security challenges facing law enforcement agencies in Manipur.
The recovery of grenades, firearms and ammunition is particularly significant because such materials can pose serious risks if they fall into the wrong hands.
Similarly, the suspected heroin seizure will require further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the transport of the substance and any possible wider connections.
Manipur Police Continue Investigation Into Recoveries
The seized arms and related materials were handed over to Thoubal Dam Police Station for further investigation and legal action, according to the report on the recovery.
Meanwhile, the cases involving the alleged PLA cadre and the two men arrested in Bishnupur remain separate investigations. Authorities have not announced any confirmed connection between the three operations.
Investigators are expected to examine the recovered materials and evidence gathered during the searches as the cases proceed. Any further arrests, charges or findings will depend on the evidence established during the investigation.
Overall, the latest actions underline the continuing role of Manipur Police and central security personnel in tackling suspected insurgent activity, weapons possession and narcotics-related offences across the state.