The arrests were made during coordinated raids across Churachandpur, Imphal, and Ukhrul as investigators intensified efforts to dismantle networks involved in violence and insurgent activities.
BY PC Bureau
June 19: In a major breakthrough, Manipur Police, in coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), arrested 10 accused persons during a series of coordinated raids conducted across multiple districts, including Churachandpur, Imphal, and Ukhrul.
The arrests are linked to several high-profile cases under NIA investigation, including armed robbery, arms looting, targeted killings, abductions, and attacks on security forces and state leadership. Most of these incidents are associated with the ethnic unrest that has gripped Manipur since 2023.
Key Cases Linked to the Arrests
1. Ukhrul PNB Bank Robbery Case (November 30, 2023)
Armed miscreants, allegedly associated with cadres of the NSCN (IM) eastern faction led by self-styled Lt. Col. P. Joseph alias P. Jackson, looted over ₹18.85 crore from the Punjab National Bank branch at Viewland, Ukhrul. The assailants reportedly tied up bank staff, confined them inside a toilet, and forced the branch manager to open the vault. The NIA took over the investigation in 2025 following directions from the Central Government, citing links to insurgent financing and arms procurement activities.
2. 5th IRB Arms Loot Case (February 13, 2024)
A mob, reportedly comprising local youths, stormed the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp at Chingarel in Imphal East district. The attackers overpowered security personnel and looted a large cache of arms and ammunition, including INSAS rifles, an AK Ghatak rifle, magazines, and 9mm ammunition. The NIA subsequently assumed charge of the investigation due to its connection with the ongoing ethnic violence.
10 (ten) accused persons were arrested in NIA cases in joint raids by combined teams of Manipur Police, NIA and CRPF at various districts including but not limited to Churachandpur, Imphal and Ukhrul. The cases include Ukhrul PNB bank robbery case, 5th IRB arms loot case, murder…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) June 19, 2026
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3. Murder of a Hmar Woman in Jiribam
The case pertains to the killing of a 31-year-old Hmar woman, identified in some reports as Zosangkim, a teacher at a Christian missionary school in Zairon Hmar village, Jiribam district. She was allegedly attacked by suspected militants, and her body was later recovered in a severely mutilated and burned condition. The incident, which occurred in November 2024, significantly heightened tensions in the district.
4. Abduction and Killing of Four Kuki Individuals
The investigation also covers the abduction and subsequent killing of four members of the Kuki community. Such incidents have formed part of the cycle of retaliatory violence witnessed during the ethnic conflict involving Kuki, Meitei, and Naga groups. The NIA has been probing several related cases across affected districts.
5. Attack on CRPF Personnel at Naranseina, Bishnupur (April 2024)
Suspected militants reportedly opened fire and hurled explosives at a CRPF and India Reserve Battalion outpost in Naranseina village, Bishnupur district. The attack resulted in the deaths of two CRPF personnel and left several others injured. The incident occurred amid heightened ethnic tensions in the region.
6. Ambush on the Chief Minister’s Convoy
One of the cases relates to an ambush on an advance security convoy associated with the Chief Minister’s movement along National Highway 37. The attack injured security personnel and prompted extensive search operations by security forces. Similar attacks targeting escorted convoys have also been reported in other districts, including Ukhrul.
The coordinated raids underscore the intensified efforts of central and state agencies to dismantle networks involved in violence, arms trafficking, insurgent activities, and threats to public order in Manipur. Authorities are expected to release further details, including the identities of those arrested and the specific charges filed against them, in the coming days.
