Manipur: Seven militants arrested, inter-state vehicle theft racket busted

January 21, 2026

Imphal: Security forces in Manipur have arrested seven hardcore militants belonging to different militant organizations, including a cadre of the NSCN (IM), over the past 24 hours. Police have also busted an interstate vehicle theft racket.

Seven cadres of various militant organizations arrested

A senior police officer said the arrested militants are affiliated with the Kangleipak ​​Communist Party (KCP), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak ​​(PREPAK), and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM). They were arrested from Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Several mobile phones and incriminating material were recovered from them. According to police, these militants were involved in extorting money from contractors, businessmen, government employees, and civilians.

Active NSCN (IM) cadre arrested with weapons

Manipur Police arrested Lanhungba Khumba (29), an active NSCN (IM) cadre, from the Manipukhri area of ​​Imphal East district. A .32 pistol, a magazine loaded with four live cartridges, two mobile phones, a charger, and an unregistered two-wheeler were recovered from him.

Inter-state vehicle theft gang busted, six vehicles recovered

Based on intelligence input from Delhi Police, Manipur Police launched a joint operation against an inter-state vehicle theft gang. With the support of ICICI Lombard Insurance Company and technical assistance, six vehicles stolen from outside the state were recovered from Churachandpur and Imphal West districts. Furthermore, on the request of Delhi Police, a joint team of Manipur Police and CRPF also arrested the main accused in the gang, Mohammad Juma Khan (39).

Meanwhile, three IEDs were defused on the spot during a search operation along the India-Myanmar border. Security forces are continuously conducting searches, area control, and checking operations in sensitive areas of the state to effectively control insurgent activities and illegal activities.