Security forces in Manipur carried out a series of coordinated operations on 16 November, resulting in the arrest of three active cadres linked to different insurgent groups and the recovery of a substantial stockpile of arms and ammunition.
The first arrest took place at Lairensajik Mamang Leikai in Imphal West, where Khuraijam Shyam Singh alias Mangal (37) was taken into custody from his residence. Officials said he had been involved in extortion activities in the valley and had played a role in the illegal settlement and mediation of cases related to crimes against women. A mobile phone was seized during the operation.
In another operation, security personnel apprehended Nongmaithem Bidyasagar Singh alias Kapchaoba (24) from Khumbong Awang Leikai under Patsoi Police Station. He had allegedly been extorting and threatening truck drivers along the Jiribam–Imphal route, often seizing their keys and documents. A mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered from him.
The most significant breakthrough of the day came when a joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles arrested a self-styled Major of the RPF/PLA, Koijam Ibochouba alias Inao, Sumo, Somo or Pansareng (45), from a rented house in Sagolband Nepra Menjor Leikai under Imphal Police Station. He had been wanted in connection with the 2017 ambush on the 4 Assam Rifles unit at Sajik Tampak.
Following his interrogation, security forces recovered a major cache of arms, ammunition and explosives buried inside a plastic drum at a farm in Kharungpat, Kakching district. The seized items included an M-16 rifle, eight SLR rifles, a .303 LMG, two .303 rifles, 190 rounds of Amogh carbine ammunition, 30 rounds of SLR ammunition, a detonator, 32 SLR magazines, four 7.62 LMG magazines, three .303 magazines, six .303 LMG magazines, three M-16 magazines, four INSAS magazines, three 2-inch mortars, two IEDs, a remote device, two electric circuits, a spirit drum and a mobile phone with a SIM card.
The operations marked a significant setback for insurgent activities in the region, with investigations continuing into the network and activities of the arrested cadres.
