Manipur police have intensified operations across the conflict-affected state. These targeted efforts led to several key arrests, seizure of arms, and tighter surveillance in vulnerable districts. The police crackdown comes amid rising tensions in several pockets and ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.
Manipur police operations step up amid unrest
The state has witnessed a fresh wave of unrest in recent weeks. In response, security forces expanded their area domination activities and night patrolling. Police personnel, supported by Assam Rifles and CRPF units, carried out joint operations in Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts. Authorities confirmed that the coordinated efforts helped prevent possible flare-ups and identify those fueling violence.
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Importantly, these operations weren’t limited to violence-prone zones. Surveillance and combing drives also extended to relatively stable areas to ensure no sleeper cells or disruptive elements could regroup. The police stated that building public trust and maintaining round-the-clock vigilance remain top priorities.
Major arrests made during combing operations
According to official sources, several high-value arrests were made during the past week. In Thoubal district, security forces detained a key suspect allegedly involved in illegal arms trade. The accused was found with a large cache of weapons, including assault rifles and locally fabricated explosives. Another suspect was held in Kangpokpi on charges of inciting communal tensions through social media platforms.
While arrests in Churachandpur revealed links to banned insurgent outfits, Imphal East police successfully disrupted a network involved in funding anti-state activities. The police said their arrests were made based on detailed intelligence inputs and community cooperation. These developments highlight the effectiveness of the state’s renewed security strategy.
Arms and explosives seized
Apart from arrests, the Manipur police recovered several arms during their ongoing crackdown. These included AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, country-made pistols, and ammunition. The seizures reportedly came from hideouts in forested areas and abandoned structures close to conflict zones. Teams also dismantled illegal bunkers that could have been used during future attacks.
Officials stated that forensic teams have begun analyzing the weapons to trace their origin. Initial evidence points to cross-border smuggling routes through Myanmar. The state government has sought support from central agencies to investigate these leads further and plug arms trafficking networks operating across the porous Indo-Myanmar border.
Community policing and outreach efforts continue
While security operations remain critical, the Manipur police have also launched public outreach programs to build trust. Officers held peace talks with local leaders, civil society members, and student unions to address grievances and clarify the intent behind recent arrests. These meetings aimed to ensure that law enforcement actions are not misunderstood or politicized.
Furthermore, the police initiated awareness campaigns in schools and colleges across Imphal Valley. These sessions emphasized the importance of non-violence, legal redressal mechanisms, and staying away from misinformation. Authorities also introduced a grievance redressal helpline to report any excesses or concerns during combing operations.
Focus on cyber surveillance and fake news
In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads rapidly and often fuels unrest. Recognizing this, the Manipur police have increased cyber monitoring and flagged multiple accounts circulating fake news. Several individuals have been booked under the IT Act for sharing inflammatory content designed to create panic and hatred.
Officials urged the public to verify any claims before forwarding them on social media. Police teams continue to work with Meta and X (formerly Twitter) to monitor suspicious content and take swift action against repeated offenders.
State government backs police initiative
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed full support for the ongoing police operations. He reiterated that the government remains committed to restoring peace and will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the state. During a press briefing, Singh praised the police and security forces for their dedication and courage in handling complex situations on the ground.
He further said that public cooperation is vital for the success of these operations. While the security forces can crack down on troublemakers, it is the collective will of the people that ensures lasting peace. To that end, the administration has assured the protection of civilians, especially women and children, during combing operations.
A step forward towards restoring normalcy
The intensified Manipur police operations have shown results in terms of arrests, arms recovery, and deterrence of miscreants. While challenges remain, especially in border regions and areas with a history of ethnic tensions, the ongoing efforts reflect a clear policy shift toward proactive law enforcement.
Ultimately, bringing peace to Manipur requires a mix of strong policing, public engagement, and political dialogue. With these sustained operations and increased community participation, the state seems to be moving in the right direction.
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