In a major counter-insurgency push, security forces in Manipur have arrested 13 extremists from across the State over the past 48 hours, since October 1, 2025.
The detained individuals belong to three banned armed groups: the Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA), United Kuki National Army (UKNA), and the Meitei People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
According to Manipur Police, four members of the CKMA, including the outfit’s self-styled military chief Paokholen Guite, were apprehended in Churachandpur district on October 1.
Guite was allegedly involved in weapon and drug trafficking across the India–Myanmar border and in extortion rackets targeting civilians. Security personnel recovered two AK-47 rifles, 181 rounds of ammunition, Rs 1 lakh in cash, and a car from his possession.
“The CKMA chief had been aiding non-SoO organisations such as the UKNA in acquiring weapons and narcotics,” a police spokesperson said. The Suspension of Operations (SoO) is a truce arrangement between the Centre and 25 Kuki-Zo groups that agreed to cease hostilities.
In a separate operation, two PLA cadres were arrested in Imphal West on October 2 for allegedly extorting money from brick kiln owners. Another PLA operative, linked to extortion of quarry operators, was caught at his home in Yairipok, Thoubal district.
Police said PLA militants were also behind the September ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Bishnupur district’s Nambol area, which killed two soldiers.
Further intensifying operations, six members of the UKNA were captured later in Bishnupur district. One of them was linked to the killing of four civilians near a water treatment plant in January 2024.
Meanwhile, tensions flared in Chandel district on October 1 night when a Manipur Police convoy came under attack by a mob at Longja village.
“Kuki women stood before the convoy and prevented the vehicles from advancing,” officials said. Several police vehicles, including one belonging to the Additional Superintendent, sustained damage.
According to reports, the convoy had gone to Longja for a search operation based on inputs about illegal arms and narcotics. Reinforcements from the Assam Rifles were rushed in to control the situation.
The United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), a signatory to the SoO agreement, later accused the police of violating ceasefire ground rules by raiding one of its officers’ homes.
Manipur has witnessed continuing unrest since May 2023, with ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities claiming over 260 lives and displacing thousands.