Interrogation of the arrested cadre led to the recovery of a buried weapons cache in Kharungpat, including rifles, a light machine gun, ammunition, magazines, mortars, IEDs, and a remote-control device.
The drum was hidden four feet underground and wrapped to prevent moisture.
BY PC Bureau
November 17, 2025: In a major counter-insurgency breakthrough, a joint operation by the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Assam Rifles (AR) on Sunday, November 16, led to the arrest of a self-styled “Major” of the banned Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army (RPF/PLA).
The insurgent, identified as Koijam Ibochouba alias Inao alias Sumo alias Somo alias Pansareng (45), hails from Yairipok Malom Mamang Leikai and had been living in a rented house at Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai. He was arrested from a rented residence in Sagolband Nepra Menjor Leikai, under Imphal Police Station in Imphal West district, following specific intelligence inputs.
Ibochouba, a long-absconding cadre, was wanted for his alleged role in the 2017 Sajik Tampak ambush in Chandel district, in which four Assam Rifles personnel were killed. The RPF/PLA had claimed responsibility for the attack.
On 16.11.2025, joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF and AR arrested a s/s Major of RPF/PLA, one Koijam lbochouba @ Inao @ Sumo @ Somo @ Pansareng (45) of Yairipok Malom Mamang Leikai a/p Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai from a rented house located at Sagolband Nepra Menjor Leikai under… pic.twitter.com/lZEyY6owIF
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) November 16, 2025
Huge Cache Recovered After Interrogation
Based on disclosures made during sustained interrogation, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition buried inside a plastic drum at a farm in Kharungpat, Kakching district. The recovery followed a six-hour search and excavation operation.
Recovered items include an M-16 rifle, several SLR rifles, a .303 Light Machine Gun, and a pair of .303 rifles.
Security forces also found a large quantity of ammunition, including Amogh carbine rounds and SLR rounds, along with a detonator.
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The cache contained multiple magazines such as SLR magazines, 7.62 LMG magazines, .303 magazines, .303 LMG magazines, M-16 magazines, and INSAS magazines.
Heavy weapons and explosives were also recovered, including two-inch mortars, two Improvised Explosive Devices, a remote-control device, and electric circuits.
In addition, a spirit drum used for concealment and a mobile phone with a SIM card were recovered from the site.
The drum was buried nearly four feet underground and wrapped in polythene to prevent moisture damage.
A senior police officer said the seized arsenal was meant for “major subversive activities” in the Imphal Valley and adjoining hill districts. “The recovery has neutralised a serious threat. Given his involvement in the 2017 Sajik Tampak ambush, this arrest is of strategic importance,” the officer noted.
Active Role in Recruitment and Arms Procurement
Preliminary investigation suggests Ibochouba operated under multiple aliases to evade surveillance and remained active in recruitment, extortion and arms procurement for the RPF/PLA. Authorities are now probing his links with other underground modules and possible cross-border networks.
A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act at Imphal Police Station. Further interrogation is underway.
Security forces have stepped up patrolling in Imphal West and Kakching districts following the operation.
This is the second major arrest of a senior RPF/PLA functionary in the last three months, indicating intensified pressure on the outfit amid ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in Manipur.
