On September 13, 2026, state-wide security efforts in Manipur intensified as joint operations in Imphal West and Thoubal districts resulted in the apprehension of three active members belonging to various banned insurgent outfits and two individuals transporting contraband drugs. These coordinated operations, involving both police detachments and paramilitary units, targeted illegal extortion syndicates and drug trafficking networks that have been operating in the region.
Armed Militants Arrested in Imphal West
In the first major operation of the day, a special commando team from Imphal West (CDO-IW), acting on highly reliable intelligence inputs, initiated a search operation in the Moidangpok area. This tactical movement was carried out with close operational assistance from the 31 Assam Rifles. During this search, the joint forces successfully arrested an active cadre belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group), also known as the KCP (PWG). The arrested individual was identified as 26-year-old Thangjam Sanatomba Singh, who goes by the alias Thembung. He is the son of Th. Indramani Singh and is a resident of Moidangpok Makha Leikai within the Imphal West district. Following his arrest, the Manipur Police wrote on X to confirm the details of this coordinated raid.
Extortion Rackets Disrupted by Joint Forces
Continuing their crackdown, another CDO-IW team, working alongside the 33 Assam Rifles, executed a targeted search operation at Takyel Khongbal Leirak Achouba. The security forces focused their efforts on a specific residence, which led to the arrest of Sanjenbam Albert Meetei, a 26-year-old active member of the KCP (Apunba) group. Meetei, who is also known locally as Lukhoi, was arrested directly from his home on charges of being heavily involved in illegal extortion activities across the local district.
In a subsequent operation on the same day, the security forces turned their attention to the Patsoi Unik-Khong Bazar area. Supported once again by the 33 Assam Rifles, the tactical team apprehended another suspected rebel affiliated with the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive), or PREPAK (PRO). The individual was identified as 48-year-old Khongbantabam Inao Singh, also known as Iboyaima, hailing from Patsoi Part-III Mamang Leikai in Imphal West. He was allegedly active in executing extortion demands from local targets. Upon searching him, officers recovered Rs 18,500 in hard cash and a mobile handset used in his operations.
Major Narcotics Bust in Thoubal District
Meanwhile, in Thoubal district, a separate joint team comprising officers from the Lilong Police Station and CDO-Thoubal launched a targeted anti-drug operation at Lilong Usoipokpi on September 13, 2026. The raid resulted in the arrest of two individuals who were allegedly involved in the local narcotics trade. The suspects were identified as Bibi Leihan, a 66-year-old widow of the late Md. Salawar Rahman, and 40-year-old Md. Faroque, both residents of the local area.
During the search, security officers uncovered a significant stash of illicit substances. The seized items included 182 SP capsules, 12 grams of heroin powder concealed inside a soap container, and an additional 121 grams of heroin powder carefully divided and packaged into 91 small plastic vials. Explaining the operation and the recovery, the Manipur Police wrote on X to update the public on the ongoing efforts to eradicate drug smuggling networks from the state.
