Security forces intensified their crackdown on insurgent networks in Manipur over the weekend, arresting an active cadre of a proscribed militant outfit and recovering a cache of sophisticated firearms, ammunition and communication equipment in coordinated operations across three districts.

The operations, carried out on February 22 and 23, led to the arrest of an active member of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Faction) and the seizure of assault rifles, carbines, pistols, locally made weapons and wireless sets from Imphal East district, Thoubal district and Chandel district.

On February 23, security forces arrested Khaidem Joychandra Meitei alias Inaocha (55), an active cadre of the outfit, from Lamlai Mamang Leikai Samu Lambel under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district. Officials said 50 rounds of 7.62×39 mm live ammunition for AK-series rifles were recovered from his possession during the operation. The arrest is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle underground networks operating in the valley districts.

In a separate operation the same day, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from Tentha Erel Ching under Khongjom Police Station in Thoubal district. The recovered items included one SMG carbine with a magazine, three bolt-action rifles, two single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns, one .32 pistol with magazine, one .32 live round, one 9 mm blank cartridge, and three helmets.

A day earlier, on February 22, a search operation was conducted in the general area between T. Bollok and L. Molhoi villages under Chakpikarong Police Station in Chandel district. The operation led to the recovery of a wide array of firearms and communication devices, including one G-3 rifle with an empty magazine, three country-made Lathode guns, two single-barrel guns, three locally made Pompi shells, four Pompi guns, two locally made carbines with empty magazines, two magazine pouches, 55 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition for AK rifles, eight Baofeng radio sets and one dagger with cover.

Officials said the recoveries indicate continued attempts by militant groups to stash weapons in remote and semi-forested pockets of the state. Security forces have stepped up intelligence-based operations in recent months to curb insurgent activities and restore normalcy across sensitive areas.