Imphal, March 26: Security operations have been intensified in Manipur following an attack by suspected armed militants from the Kuki community in the Bishnupur district. The militants targeted an Indian Army post in the Fouljang and Gothol areas, prompting a swift response from security forces.
A police officer in Imphal reported that the militants opened fire on the army post located in the Phougakchao Awang Laikai area. The Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (58th Battalion) quickly retaliated, resulting in a firefight that lasted for approximately 30 minutes late Wednesday night.
Since early Thursday, a joint operation involving the Indian Army, CRPF, Manipur Police, and Manipur Armed Force (Indian Reserve Battalion) has been underway in the area and surrounding hills where the gunfire occurred. The officer stated, “The situation is being closely monitored, and security forces will continue operations in the nearby hilly regions.”
The Manipur Police have urged citizens to refrain from spreading rumors and to verify any information before sharing it.
In a separate development, security forces have dismantled six illegally constructed bunkers in the Litang and Mongkat Chepu Upper village areas of Ukhrul district as part of an ongoing operation that began on Wednesday. Following the operation, most bunkers in the violence-affected Litang area have been neutralized. The officer confirmed that security forces are on high alert and strategically deployed to prevent any escalation of violence in the region.
Meanwhile, security forces arrested an active member of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) from the Patsoi area of Imphal West district. The arrested militant has been identified as Asem Subhash Meitei, also known as Lingzelkhomba (30), and a mobile phone was recovered from him.
In another significant operation, security forces apprehended 14 militants from the UNLF (Koireng faction) in the Haokhong area of Thoubal district on March 22. A large cache of weapons was seized, including two INSAS rifles, 13 magazines of various weapons, 100 INSAS rounds, ₹1 lakh in cash, 12 mobile phones, five helmets, five backpacks, and four vehicles.
Joint teams of central and state forces are conducting extensive operations against militant activities across the state. Search operations and area control measures are ongoing in sensitive, mixed-population, and border areas of several districts.
A total of 113 checkpoints have been established across Manipur’s valley and hill districts to monitor the movement of suspicious individuals and vehicles. Additionally, security escorts are being provided for vehicles, including trucks carrying essential goods on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).
Strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures have been implemented to ensure safe movement in sensitive areas. The Manipur Police have once again urged the public not to believe in rumors and to avoid being misled by fake videos circulating on social media.