Imphal, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Security forces have arrested eight militants, including a declared absconder wanted in a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), during coordinated operations across five districts of Manipur, officials said on Sunday.
The arrests were made in Thoubal, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Imphal East and Imphal West districts during joint operations involving the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and other Central forces.
According to a police spokesman, the arrested militants are linked to several banned outfits, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP).
The militants are suspected of involvement in activities including attacks on people, kidnappings, forced collection of “subscriptions” and recruitment of youths into banned organisations.
Among those arrested are self-styled PLA Captain Thiyam Boycha Singh alias Balin, 28, and self-styled KYKL Captain Chongtham Lukhoi alias Rakesh, 45.
Police said questioning revealed that Singh was allegedly part of the group that ambushed Assam Rifles personnel and six others at Behiang in Churachandpur district on November 13, 2021. He is the third accused in the NIA-investigated case and had been declared an absconder.
Security forces recovered arms and ammunition, incriminating documents, subscription receipts, cash, seals and letterheads belonging to banned outfits, besides other material, from the arrested militants.
Meanwhile, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Manipur Police continue to conduct search and area-domination operations in fringe, mixed-population and other vulnerable areas across the state.
Authorities have established 111 nakas and checkpoints across the valley and hill districts to monitor the movement of militants, anti-social elements and suspicious vehicles.
Security forces are also providing armed escorts to trucks and other vehicles carrying essential commodities along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Officials said convoy protection and security arrangements remain in place along vulnerable stretches to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of passenger and goods vehicles.
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