Top ZUF(J) leader among five arrested; Arms cache recovered in statewide crackdown

In a major counter-insurgency push, Manipur Police and security forces have intensified intelligence-led combing and search operations across several districts of the state, resulting in the arrest of five insurgents linked to banned outfits and the seizure of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and military-grade equipment. The operations, conducted between June 30 and July 1, reflect a growing effort to root out underground militant activities and restore public security in vulnerable and fringe areas.
Among the arrested was Namgaklung Kamei, alias November, aged 42, who served as the self-styled Deputy Chief of Army of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-J). He was apprehended on July 1 near Kekrupat in the Imphal West district. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough for the forces, as Kamei held a top leadership position within the insurgent group. A 9mm pistol with ten live rounds and a mobile phone were recovered from his possession at the time of arrest.
On the same day, three other active insurgents were captured from different locations in the Imphal East district. Mutum Ibohanbi Singh, 49, an operative of the KYKL (SOREPA), was detained in Andro Khuman under the jurisdiction of Andro Police Station. Md. Ajad Khan, alias Kathokpa, aged 29, affiliated with the KCP (PWG), was arrested from Khurai Chaithabi Leirak, while 21-year-old Khulem Tulajit Meitei, alias Tulen, connected to the KCP (Apunba), was picked up from Khurai Kongkham Leikai. Mobile phones were seized from all three, which are expected to aid further investigation.
A day earlier, on June 30, another key arrest was made in Imphal East when Khoirom Ingoton Singh, alias Tomba, aged 48, was taken into custody from Keirao Khunou under Irilbung Police Station. Singh is an active cadre of KCP (NOYON/MFL) and was reportedly involved in extorting money from local educational institutions. During his arrest, authorities seized a single-barrel gun, a 9mm pistol with two live rounds, a bulletproof helmet, a bulletproof jacket, and multiple radio wireless sets.
Alongside these arrests, the security forces launched extensive search operations in insurgency-prone areas, leading to the discovery of substantial arms and ammunition. In Jiribam district, during a sweep from Jairolpokpi to Uchathol on July 1, the forces recovered a variety of firearms, including modified .303 rifles, single- and double-barrel guns, twelve-bore shotguns, and a tear gas gun. Ammunition recovered included. 303 and SLR rounds, as well as 5.56mm cartridges. Additionally, equipment such as tube launchers, walkie-talkies with chargers, and tear gas shells were also found.
Further recoveries were made on the same day in Nepali Khutti, Kotlen, located in Kangpokpi district. Here, troops seized bolt-action and single-barrel rifles, improvised mortars, and pull-mechanism rifles. Dangerous explosives, including white phosphorus grenades and No. 36 hand grenades, were found along with under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL) shells, rubber bullets, and tear smoke devices.
In a parallel move to ensure law and order, Manipur Police continued their enforcement of motor vehicle regulations. On July 1, authorities issued 58 challans, collecting Rs. 94,500 in fines for various violations. A day earlier, a stolen vehicle was recovered, and tinted films were removed from 28 vehicles to ensure legal compliance with traffic norms.
These coordinated efforts underscore the state government’s commitment to clamp down on insurgency while also maintaining civic discipline. With the arrest of high-ranking insurgents and the seizure of dangerous weaponry, authorities have struck a significant blow to underground networks operating in the region.