Imphal, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, in a joint operation, have arrested a senior militant of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) who was carrying a bounty of Rs 4 lakh, officials said on Sunday.
The accused, identified as self-styled PLA Captain Thiyam Boycha Singh alias Balin, 28, was apprehended from Ushoipokpi in Thoubal district on Saturday night following an intelligence-led operation.
According to a defence spokesman, intelligence inputs generated by the Assam Rifles indicated the militant’s presence in Bishnupur district. Security forces subsequently launched a targeted search operation and intercepted him.
On-the-spot questioning established his identity as a PLA cadre wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with a Rs 4 lakh reward on his arrest. He was also allegedly involved in the November 13, 2021, ambush in Churachandpur district in which Assam Rifles Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family members and four other personnel were killed.
Initial questioning reportedly revealed that Singh had undergone militant training and spent an extended period at a camp in Myanmar. He was also allegedly involved in procuring and transferring war-like stores and maintaining links with other militant groups.
The arrested cadre was handed over to Manipur Police at Lilong Police Station in Thoubal district for further legal proceedings.
Officials said the operation reflected the close coordination between Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in counter-insurgency efforts and maintaining security in the region.
In the 2021 ambush, Col. Tripathi, then Commanding Officer of the Khuga Battalion of Assam Rifles, his wife Anuja, 36, their five-year-old son Abir and four other personnel were killed. Tripathi was an alumnus of the 102nd National Defence Academy course and was commissioned into the 2 Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army in May 2002 after completing training at the Indian Military Academy.
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