Manipur’s security posture has demonstrably tightened following a series of intelligence-driven combing and cordon-and-search operations that resulted in the apprehension of a key insurgent and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons. The operations, which spanned multiple districts, underscore an ongoing effort by security forces to curb militant activity across the state.
The success began on November 24, when Manipur Police, acting on targeted surveillance, detained an active KCP (PWG) operative in Imphal West. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Ronaldo Thoudam, also known by the alias Lamjingba, is a resident of Haoreibi Mayai Leikai and was apprehended at Chandranadi Lamkhai. This arrest set the stage for intensified follow-up operations the following day.
November 25 saw significant material recoveries across several locations. In Kangpokpi district, a sweep of Songlung village under Kangchup Police Station led to the seizure of a Heckler & Koch G3 rifle with its magazine, two bolt-action rifles, four pull-mechanism rifles, an improvised mortar, two No. 36 hand grenades complete with arming rings and detonators, two G3 live rounds, and a handheld radio set.
A separate, larger haul was made during an operation in the Gelbung jungle under Saikul Police Station. Troops recovered a CMG carbine with magazine, a .303 rifle, two pistols with magazines, nine locally made bolt-action single-barrel guns, one country-made SBBL, a total of 46 rounds of assorted ammunition, 80 empty cases, one locally manufactured grenade, a safety fuse, a detonator, three pieces of PEK, four pumpis with a stand, two Baofeng handsets, a pair of jungle boots, and a magazine pouch.
Further deepening the crackdown, a separate team in Churachandpur district successfully recovered a highly explosive device from Gelmol village. The team seized a long-range rocket fitted with approximately 40 kg of explosives, along with accompanying rocket-launching stands, a battery piece, and five sandbags. Officials have confirmed that these coordinated crackdowns are part of an ongoing security strategy aimed at preventing armed groups from regrouping or replenishing their stockpiles, stressing that operations will continue in sensitive pockets throughout Manipur.
