Over 60 insurgents, including key figures from banned outfits, have been arrested in Manipur. With increasing operations, security forces aim to dismantle violent factions fueling the crisis.
BY PC Bureau
In a major operation in Manipur today, Assam Rifles have arrested 28 cadres of the Arambai Tenngol, including the commander of Unit-26 Kakching. The move comes in the wake of directives issued following the imposition of President’s Rule.
The arrested militants are accused of engaging in extensive criminal activities—including the looting of weapons, burning of villages, and orchestrating acts of mass violence—against the Kuki-Zo community.
The arrests took place in Kakching, a district in Manipur, where the commander of Unit-26 Kakching was among those detained. This extremist militia, ’s private army, has been ACCUSED OF BEING at the forefront of the ethnic cleansing against the Kuki-Zo people looting weapons, burning villages, and orchestrating mass violence. Just yesterday, the Manipur Governor ordered the surrender of looted arms, and today, the Army took action
MANIPUR
Indian army arrested 28 Arambai Tenggol militia form their camp including Commander of group.
Local Meitei vigilante group Meira Paibis are stopping soldiers from doing their job.
Please listen to the language she is using for army soldiers doing their job. Calling… pic.twitter.com/GsDKWg9M4L— Maj DIGVIJAY SINGH RAWAT, KC (Retd) (@Diggi00007) February 21, 2025
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Well-placed sources in the Home Ministry have confirmed that security forces have been given a free hand to pursue armed militants with an impartial approach. “We don’t want either side to feel that there is an attempt to shield anyone. Security forces have been granted full authority to apprehend anyone who poses a threat to peace in Manipur,” said a senior official.
Meanwhile, local Meitei vigilante groups, particularly the Meira Paibis, have attempted to obstruct the security forces’ operations. Videos circulating online show members of the group verbally abusing soldiers and protesting against the arrests of those linked to violence. Such resistance not only hampers law enforcement efforts but also fosters further instability. Lasting peace will remain out of reach as long as these elements continue to shield individuals responsible for unrest.
Following the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025, security forces have intensified operations against insurgent groups, leading to significant arrests and seizures. Within the first week, over 60 militants from various factions were apprehended, including members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Kuki National Army (KNA), and United National Kuki Army (UNKA).
Around 28 members of Mr. @NBirenSingh private militia #Arambai_Tenggol including the commander of Unit-26 Kakching, apprehended by the Assam Rifles this early morning in the Kakching district, #Manipur.@rashtrapatibhvn @INCIndia@adgpi @official_dgar @crpfindia @the_hindu… pic.twitter.com/S5R0AGgP49
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) February 21, 2025
In a notable operation, 13 KYKL insurgents were arrested in Moirang Kiyam Leikai, a residential area near Loktak Lake.
Additionally, 17 extremists from different banned militant groups were detained across four districts within a 24-hour period.
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The crackdown also led to the recovery of significant arms and ammunition. Authorities seized 15 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and various weapons, aiming to curb the ongoing violence that has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people.
Assam Rifles apprehend Arambai Tenggol, a radical and #Rapist Meitei militia group, in Kakching. The group has been linked to violence in Manipur, particularly in the Meitei-Kuki clashes.#SeparationOnlySolution
#ArambaiTenggol #AssamRifles #Manipur pic.twitter.com/x7HBm8OmTq— 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐌 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 (@chikimtoday) February 21, 2025
The government’s intensified actions reflect a commitment to restoring peace and order in Manipur. However, the situation remains complex, with deep-seated ethnic tensions and the presence of well-armed insurgent groups. Continued vigilance and comprehensive strategies are essential to achieving lasting stability in the region.
The Manipur Governor has issued an order mandating the surrender of looted arms, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to restoring peace and order. However, the effectiveness of these measures largely depends on the cooperation of local communities and the cessation of support for insurgent elements.
