Imphal: A day after militants from the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) raided a police outpost in Kakmayai, Thoubal district, looting arms and ammunition, security forces successfully tracked down the stolen weapons and busted a militant hideout. The operation resulted in the recovery of most of the stolen arms and the arrest of an extremist involved in the attack.
According to a police official, around 30 heavily armed KCP cadres, traveling in three vehicles, stormed the outpost on Saturday night, overpowering security personnel on duty. The militants looted six Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), three AK rifles, and a substantial cache of ammunition before escaping.
In response, law enforcement agencies launched an extensive search operation, leading to the detention of a KCP cadre, identified as Hijam Ningthem Singh (49). Further intelligence-driven searches on Sunday led to the recovery of three AK rifles and five SLRs from the Ngamukhong foothill area.
Militant Hideout Busted in Langathel Chingkhong
Security forces intensified combing operations across multiple locations, including Ningel, Malom, Toubul, and Langathel, eventually uncovering a KCP hideout in Langathel Chingkhong. The raid resulted in the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including:
- 48 live rounds of Insas and AK rifles
- 25 empty cases of assorted ammunition
- Grenades
- Various military equipment, including bullet-proof vests, armored helmets, a binocular, and camouflage fatigues
- A Gypsy vehicle used for militant activities
Ongoing Security Concerns in Manipur
Manipur has been grappling with a major security crisis since the ethnic riots erupted on May 3, 2023. During the unrest, over 6,000 sophisticated firearms and lakhs of rounds of ammunition were looted from various police stations and outposts by militants, mobs, and other armed groups. These weapons have been fueling the ongoing violence in both valley and hill areas, with armed groups wielding sophisticated firearms against each other.
Despite the recovery of a significant portion of the stolen arms, security forces continue operations to track down remaining looted weapons. Authorities have repeatedly urged those in possession of illegal arms to return them voluntarily to avoid legal action.
Political Developments
The worsening law-and-order situation has placed immense pressure on the state government. Amid growing concerns over the escalating violence, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh submitted his resignation on Sunday. The Home Department and other political leaders have consistently called for the return of looted weapons, warning that strict legal measures will be enforced against those who fail to comply.
As security operations intensify, authorities remain committed to restoring peace and curbing insurgency in Manipur.
