Manipur Police step up crackdown: Arms smugglers, insurgents, and drug dealers arrested

In a coordinated security sweep across Manipur, police and security forces have apprehended several individuals involved in illegal arms trade, insurgent activities, extortion, and drug trafficking over the last 24 hours. The state continues to experience heightened tension, though law and order remain under control due to ongoing enforcement efforts.
One of the most significant operations took place in Imphal East District, where three men were arrested for alleged involvement in arms trafficking. The accused — Naorem Naocha Meitei (38), Leishangthem Inaoton Singh (23), and Ayekpam Boiboy Meitei (26) — were picked up from Puhkhao Ahallup Makha Leikai. Among them was a known operative of the proscribed UNLF led by Pambei. Security personnel seized an INSAS rifle with a magazine, eight live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and three mobile phones. The seized firearm was reportedly intended for illegal sale, with an estimated value of Rs. 3.5 lakh.
In separate operations targeting insurgent-linked extortion, police in Thoubal District arrested Khundongbam Prithibiraj Meitei (23), a member of the KCP (PWG), who had allegedly been intimidating local business owners. Authorities recovered a hand grenade, a mobile phone, and a two-wheeler from his possession. Further arrests included Salam Karan Singh (21) of KCP (MFL), and two PREPAK members, Khangembam Apui Meitei (26) and Moirangthem Alex Meitei (23), who were reportedly involved in issuing threats and extortion demands across several districts.
The crackdown extended to narcotics as well. In Churachandpur District, police arrested 33-year-old Mungsanglian alias David and confiscated 112 soap cases packed with suspected brown sugar, weighing over 1.2 kilograms. Meanwhile, in Thoubal District, a woman identified as Fatima (44) was caught with 51 bottles of a banned cough syrup, TUSSREX-TR, containing Codeine Phosphate and Tripolidine HCl.
Authorities also recovered six stolen vehicles during a special drive. To further tighten security and ensure the safe transit of essential supplies, 110 checkpoints have been established in sensitive areas across the state.