Security forces remain on high alert, anticipating further raids, arrests, and seizures of arms in the coming weeks. With the state now under central control, officials aim to implement a long-term security strategy to prevent insurgent resurgence and establish sustained peace in the region.
TFM Report
In a decisive move to quell escalating ethnic violence and tension, the Union Government of Indian had imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, taking direct control of the state. This action follows the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid mounting pressure and unrest that has claimed over 250 lives in the past almost two years and displaced thousands.
Within a week of this intervention, security forces have arrested over 30 insurgents, including a senior leader. The detained militants are affiliated with various factions, notably the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Kuki National Army (KNA), and United National Kuki Army (UNKA). Operations across multiple districts have led to the seizure of at least 15 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and sophisticated automatic weapons, including HK rifles, INSAS rifles, and AK-series rifles.
Chronology of Key Events Leading to the Crackdown
- February 15: Security forces uncover an insurgent hideout in Tengnoupal district, seizing a significant cache of automatic weapons and IEDs. Intelligence indicates plans for coordinated attacks on key locations.
- February 16: Coordinated raids in Imphal East, Churachandpur, and Kakching districts result in the arrest of militants identified as members of the PLA and PREPAK.
- February 17: A high-level security meeting convenes state police, central paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies to assess the insurgency and strategize further operations under President’s Rule.
- February 18: Fresh intelligence reports heightened militant activity in remote and border areas, prompting the rapid deployment of additional forces.
- February 19-20: Intensified security operations across multiple districts lead to additional arrests from both valley-based and hill-based insurgent groups. Further arms and explosives are seized, reinforcing suspicions of a coordinated militant resurgence.
Heightened Security Measures and Vigilance
The imposition of President’s Rule has facilitated the rapid deployment of paramilitary forces and intelligence-driven counter-insurgency operations, significantly enhancing the capacity to neutralize what has been considered as security threats by New Delhi. Authorities have imposed strict curfews in insurgency-prone areas, increased night-time search operations, and established checkpoints along highways and key transit routes to prevent the movement of armed militants.
The crackdown has been meticulously planned based on real-time intelligence inputs. Insurgent groups were attempting to regroup, but the swift action of security forces has dismantled their networks in multiple locations. More operations will follow in the coming days, as per information made available to TFM.
The central government justifies the imposition of President’s Rule as a necessary step to restore law and order. However, local political leaders are divided; some view it as a decisive move toward long-term stability, while others express concerns over the implications of central rule in the state.
Security forces remain on high alert, anticipating further raids, arrests, and seizures of arms in the coming weeks. With the state now under central control, officials aim to implement a long-term security strategy to prevent insurgent resurgence and establish sustained peace in the region.