The 47-year-old militant, a break-out member of the banned People’s Liberation Army, admitted to his direct involvement in the attack in Bishnupur district.
BY PC Bureau
September 24, 2025 — In a major breakthrough, Manipur Police, in coordination with the 33rd Assam Rifles and other security forces, apprehended the prime accused in the September 19 ambush on Assam Rifles personnel.
The arrest occurred at approximately 1:00 am in the Kameng area of Imphal West district, based on specific intelligence about the presence of armed militants. The detained individual has been identified as Khomdram Ojit Singh @ Keilai (47), son of the late Kh. Mani Singh, from Awang Leikinthabi Awang Leikai.
During interrogation, Ojit Singh confessed to being a break-out member of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and admitted to his involvement in the ambush that took place on September 19, 2025, at Sabal Leikai, Nambol (Bishnupur district) around 5:30 pm. The attack targeted personnel of the 33rd Assam Rifles, after which the assailants fled toward Loktak Lake.
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Following his arrest, a detailed search based on information from Ojit Singh led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition, along with a can believed to have been used for transporting or concealing the arms. The recovered items include:
1 A4 rifle with 4 magazines, 1 HK rifle with 2 magazines, 2 AK rifles with 5 magazines each, 1 INSAS rifle with 3 magazines, 3 lathe shell magazines, 170 rounds of AK ammunition, 216 rounds of M16 ammunition, 67 rounds of INSAS ammunition, 1 mobile handset, 1 wallet, 1 Aadhaar card, and 1 can.
PRESS NOTE
*MANIPUR *
24.09.2025
PRIME ACCUSED IN THE 19TH SEPTEMBER AMBUSH ON ASSAM RIFLES APPREHENDED. pic.twitter.com/gOONcZXWVc— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) September 24, 2025
Ojit Singh also disclosed a prior arrest on April 22, 2007, underlining his history of militant activity. Police are continuing his examination, and raids are underway to apprehend other individuals linked to the ambush.
The September 19 ambush marked a significant escalation in regional violence, highlighting persistent security challenges posed by militant groups in Manipur. The PLA, a banned insurgent outfit, has been a longstanding threat to stability in the state.
Authorities said the operation underscores the coordinated efforts of security forces to dismantle militant networks and recover illicit arms. The recovery of advanced weaponry and transport equipment further signals the scale of the threat, prompting heightened security measures in the area.
