Four Militants Arrested in Manipur's Bishnupur and Kakching Districts

Incident Overview

On April 11, 2025, four suspected militants were arrested in two coordinated operations conducted by security forces in Manipur’s Bishnupur and Kakching districts. These arrests come amid heightened security measures and a renewed crackdown on insurgent activities in the northeastern state.

The suspects are allegedly affiliated with banned outfits long active in the region, engaging in criminal and insurgent operations such as extortion, illegal arms smuggling, and targeted violence.

Details of the Arrests

The operations were launched following actionable intelligence reports pointing to militant presence in specific localities. Security personnel conducted thorough searches in both districts and apprehended the suspects without any exchange of fire.

Authorities recovered a cache of weapons, explosives, and digital evidence such as mobile phones and documents, which could uncover wider militant networks. One suspect is believed to be a senior functionary of a valley-based insurgent group and is under interrogation for links to previous attacks.

A senior police official stated that the arrests mark a major setback for militant activity in central and southern Manipur. Follow-up investigations are underway to identify and detain other operatives.

Broader Context

Manipur has long grappled with insurgency, with over 30 banned outfits operating over the years. Recent ethnic tensions and instability have further complicated security conditions. The state and central forces have ramped up counter-insurgency efforts across vulnerable districts.

Since 2023, there's been a surge in operations targeting militant hideouts, extortion networks, and arms smuggling routes. Arrests like these are integral to efforts to disrupt underground networks, restore order, and rebuild public trust.

Civil society groups have emphasized the need for reconciliation and rehabilitation programs to complement crackdowns — addressing root issues like unemployment, identity-based marginalisation, and underdevelopment.

Sources

• The Hindu
• India Today
• Hindustan Times
• India TV News
• NewsDrum
• NorthEast Now
• The Federal
• Business Standard
• Geo24 News
• Business Finance News