Manipur security forces recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives and arrested several active militant cadres during a series of coordinated counter-insurgency operations carried out across the state between January 3 and 4, 2026.

On January 4, security personnel conducted an operation at Yairipok Top Ningthounai Lai Ching under Andro Police Station in Imphal East district, seizing one SLR with magazine, a single-barrel gun, a 9 mm pistol with magazine, a .32 pistol with magazine, a .32 automatic pistol with two magazines, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two No. 36 hand grenades, one Chinese-made hand grenade, and 37 live rounds. Other items recovered included a raincoat, a sleeping bed kit, and a foldable tent.

Earlier, on January 3, another operation at Lanchingmanbi, Chingphei village under Henglep Police Station in Churachandpur district led to the recovery of a rocket containing around 100 kg of explosives, a sniper rifle fitted with a telescopic daylight scope, two country-made single-barrel breech-loading guns, a 9 mm pistol with magazine, five 7.62 mm live rounds, ten 12-bore cartridges, and an IED weighing approximately 3 kg.

In a separate operation on the same day at Kangaching Tellou under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district, security forces seized two .32 bore pistols with magazines, a 51 HE mortar bomb, two No. 36 hand grenades, 91 live rounds of various calibres, two .303 LMG magazines, a BAOFENG wireless set, seven bulletproof plates, a bulletproof helmet, a pistol holster, and a grenade.

Meanwhile, multiple militants were arrested on January 4. Those apprehended include Laishram Kullabi Meitei (35), alias Ronel, an RPF/PLA cadre from Liwa Road Kha Maibam Leikai in Imphal West, from whom two mobile phones were seized; Tensubam Bangkim Singh (25), alias Chak-thekpa or Mangang Punshiba, a KCP (Taibanganba) cadre from Nambol Leitonjam Makha Leikai in Bishnupur district, with a 9 mm pistol, four live rounds, and a mobile phone recovered; and Mahesh Sarangthem (19), an RPF/PLA cadre from Kairembikhok Maiyai Leikai in Thoubal district, who was arrested from his residence.

Officials said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to neutralise militant activities and prevent potential threats to public safety in Manipur.