In a major counter-insurgency drive, joint operations conducted by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles under Spear Corps, in coordination with Manipur Police, led to the apprehension of 17 insurgent cadres and recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives across multiple districts of the state between March 22 and 28.

The intelligence-based operations were carried out in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Tengnoupal districts, targeting both hill- and valley-based insurgent outfits.

On March 22, joint teams apprehended cadres belonging to KYKL and PREPAK (PRO) in Bishnupur and Imphal West districts. In a major operation along the Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal, 10 cadres linked to PREPAK (RA) were arrested. Mobile phones and SIM cards were also seized during the operations.

On March 23, security forces arrested cadres affiliated with KCP (Apunba) and Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba faction) in Imphal East district.

Further operations on March 25 in Kangpokpi district led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including a carbine, pistols, rifles, improvised mortars, and ammunition. On March 26, another operation in Churachandpur district yielded rifles, bombs, an improvised explosive device (IED), grenades, and other war-like stores.

The operations intensified on March 27 and 28 in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts, resulting in the arrest of cadres linked to PLA, KYKL, and KCP. Security forces also recovered pistols, rifles, 15 IEDs, and communication equipment.

Officials said the coordinated operations underscore sustained efforts by security forces to curb insurgent activities and maintain stability in the region. Further investigations are underway.