In massive joint operations conducted over the past few days, security forces apprehended cadres and recovered huge weaponry, arms along with explosives. Indian Army and Assam Rifles formations under Spear Corps, working in close coordination with Manipur Police, carried out a series of intelligence-driven joint operations across several Manipur districts.
This led to the arrest of insurgent cadres, recovery of a large cache of arms and explosives, and the foiling of a cross-border ambush attempt along India-Myanmar frontier. Between February 1-7, 2026, security forces acted on intelligence inputs indicating insurgent movement, concealed arms dumps and planned attacks in both hill and valley areas.
The coordinated operations covered Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur and Pherzawl districts. The security ops resulted in the apprehension of seven active cadres linked to multiple banned outfits and the recovery of 18 weapons, explosives and other war-like stores.
Manipur security operations: Which insurgent groups were targeted?
The arrested cadres belonged to several valley- and hill-based groups, including Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (SOREPA), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the United National Liberation Front (Koireng), PREPAK and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive).
Security officials said the arrests, made between February 1 to 7, were aimed at disrupting command, logistics and recruitment networks operating in and around the Imphal valley.
What weapons and explosives were recovered?
During the week-long operations, troops recovered a significant arsenal which included AK-series rifles, M4 and AK-56 weapons, pistols, single-barrel and bolt-action rifles, rifle grenades, lathode bombs, sniper optics, radio sets and large quantities of ammunition, among others.
In one major breakthrough near Tonglhang village, forces also detected a concealed insurgent hideout and recovered 18 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), all of which were safely destroyed in situ following standard operating procedures.
Cross-border ambush foiled along India-Myanmar border
In Tengnoupal district, Assam Rifles troops foiled an ambush attempt by armed insurgents in the general area of T’Minou near Border Pillar 75 along the India–Myanmar border. Acting on advance intelligence, troops established an ambush and conducted an area domination patrol, repelling insurgent fire originating from across the border.
Subsequent searches led to the recovery of multiple weapons and ammunition, underscoring continued cross-border linkages of insurgent groups.
The operations showcased tight coordination between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police Commandos, with joint planning, intelligence sharing and simultaneous search actions across multiple locations. Officials said such integrated operations are critical to maintaining pressure on insurgent networks and preventing regrouping.
Meanwhile, the sustained tempo of operations reflects a renewed focus on neutralising insurgent infrastructure, degrading access to arms and explosives, and restoring stability in sensitive districts. According to the security forces, operations will continue based on actionable intelligence to ensure law and order and safeguard civilians.