Imphal, Manipur – In a significant move to curb insurgency, security forces in Manipur arrested three active militants from two banned outfits—Kangleipak Yawol Kanna Lup (Sorepa) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak-Pro)—across three districts on July 9–10, 2025. The arrests, part of ongoing operations to address extortion, kidnapping, and recruitment activities, underscore the state’s persistent efforts to restore order amid escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. This article provides a detailed analysis of the arrests, their implications, and the broader context of Manipur’s security and ethnic challenges.
Details of the Arrests
On July 9 and 10, 2025, Manipur Police and security forces conducted targeted operations in Kakching, Imphal West, and Bishnupur districts, apprehending three militants involved in criminal activities:
- Kangleipak Yawol Kanna Lup (Sorepa) Arrest in Kakching: On Thursday, July 10, an active cadre of the banned Kangleipak Yawol Kanna Lup (Sorepa) was arrested in Umathel Bazar, Kakching district. The militant, identified as Maibam Basanta Meitei, alias Boy, aged 40, from Wabagai Thambal Chingya, was apprehended for his role in extortion, kidnapping, and recruiting new cadres across Thoubal, Kakching, and Imphal West districts. A 9 mm pistol and ammunition were recovered from his possession, indicating his involvement in armed activities.
- Second Sorepa Arrest in Imphal West: On Wednesday, July 9, another Sorepa member was detained in Mayang Imphal Thana Mamang Leikai, Imphal West. This individual, whose identity was not disclosed in initial reports, was linked to similar charges of extortion and recruitment, targeting businesses and individuals in the valley districts.
- Prepak (Pro) Arrest in Bishnupur: On Thursday, July 10, a cadre of the proscribed Prepak (Pro), identified as Sarangthem Gobin Meitei, alias Maru, aged 36, from Phougakchao-Ikhai Awang Leikai, Bishnupur, was arrested. A mobile phone with an Airtel SIM card was seized, potentially linked to communication for extortion activities.
These arrests reflect intensified security operations in Manipur, driven by intelligence-based combing and cordon-and-search efforts to dismantle insurgent networks. The recovery of a 9 mm pistol and ammunition from the Sorepa cadre highlights the ongoing threat of armed militancy in the region.
Context of Manipur’s Insurgency
Manipur has been a hotbed of insurgent activity for decades, with groups like Kangleipak Yawol Kanna Lup (Sorepa) and Prepak (Pro) seeking to establish a sovereign Kangleipak state through armed rebellion. Sorepa, a faction of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), and Prepak (Pro), a splinter of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, are proscribed under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for their involvement in extortion, kidnapping, and targeted killings. These groups often exploit ethnic divisions and economic vulnerabilities, extorting money from businesses, schools, and government institutions to fund their operations.
The arrested militants’ activities—extortion, kidnapping, and recruitment—reflect a pattern seen in recent crackdowns. For instance, on July 8, 2025, four Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-PWG) members were arrested in Bishnupur and Imphal for similar crimes, with one, Potshangbam Jeet Meetai, alias Norjit, accused of extorting schools and colleges in Thoubal. On June 23, 2025, four Prepak (Pro) cadres were apprehended in Imphal East with a cache of arms, including a .32 pistol, underscoring the persistent challenge of illegal firearms.
Ethnic Violence and Security Challenges
The arrests occur against the backdrop of Manipur’s ongoing ethnic conflict between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted on May 3, 2023, following a Tribal Solidarity March protesting the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Over 260 people have been killed, and thousands remain displaced in relief camps, with violence fueled by land rights, political representation, and economic disparities.
Insurgent groups have exploited this unrest, with Meitei-affiliated outfits like Sorepa and Prepak (Pro) targeting valley areas for extortion, while Kuki-Zo groups have been linked to highway blockades and arms smuggling in hill districts. The recovery of sophisticated weapons, including assault rifles and grenade launchers in hill areas, indicates the scale of the challenge. Posts on X, such as @Jenifer_Vaiphei’s claim that the arrested militants are linked to “Meitei terror groups,” reflect polarized community narratives, though such assertions require further verification.
The imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation, has intensified security operations. The state assembly, with a tenure until 2027, remains under suspended animation, signaling prolonged central oversight. While violence has decreased in 2025 compared to 2023–2024, drug seizures and militant arrests have risen, indicating a shift in focus to disrupt insurgent funding through extortion and narcotics.
Broader Implications
The arrests highlight several critical issues:
- Insurgent Exploitation of Ethnic Tensions: Groups like Sorepa and Prepak (Pro) capitalize on the Meitei-Kuki-Zo conflict to expand their influence, targeting vulnerable communities for extortion and recruitment. This perpetuates a cycle of violence and economic disruption, with schools, businesses, and petrol pumps frequently victimized.
- Arms Proliferation: The seizure of a 9 mm pistol and ammunition underscores the challenge of illegal firearms in Manipur. Recent operations have recovered assault rifles, grenade launchers, and explosives, particularly in hill districts dominated by Kuki-Zo groups, suggesting cross-border smuggling networks, possibly via Myanmar.
- Security Forces’ Response: The arrests reflect a proactive approach by Manipur Police and central forces, including the Assam Rifles and CRPF, to dismantle insurgent networks. Operations targeting Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei vigilante group, and other outfits like KCP-PWG indicate a broad crackdown, though coordination challenges persist in ethnically divided regions.
- Political and Social Fallout: President’s Rule has stabilized some areas, but the suspension of the state assembly has fueled local discontent. Posts on X, such as @NortheastToday’s update on the arrests, highlight public support for security efforts, but @Inside_Manipur’s call to “stamp out terror” reflects frustration with persistent insurgency. The ethnic divide complicates governance, with Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities often blaming each other for violence.
Challenges and Path Forward
The arrests are a tactical success but face long-term challenges:
- Sustained Operations: Insurgent groups often regroup, requiring continuous intelligence and community cooperation. The involvement of juveniles in Prepak (Pro) activities, as seen in earlier arrests, highlights the need for rehabilitation programs.
- Community Trust: Polarized narratives, as seen in X posts labeling militants as “Meitei terrorists,” risk alienating communities and hindering reconciliation efforts.
- Economic Disruption: Extortion targeting schools, businesses, and government employees stifles Manipur’s economy, necessitating broader development initiatives to address root causes like unemployment and poverty.
- Cross-Border Threats: Alleged links to Myanmar-based insurgents and Pakistan’s ISI, as noted in recent Punjab arrests, suggest a need for enhanced border security and international cooperation.
The Manipur government, under central oversight, must balance security crackdowns with peace-building measures, such as dialogue between Meitei and Kuki-Zo leaders. The surrender of arms by Kuki-Zo groups in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts in 2025 signals potential for de-escalation, but sustained efforts are needed to address underlying grievances.
Conclusion
The arrest of three militants from Sorepa and Prepak (Pro) on July 9–10, 2025, with a 9 mm pistol and ammunition seized, marks a significant step in Manipur’s fight against insurgency. However, the persistence of extortion, kidnapping, and recruitment activities, set against the backdrop of ethnic violence that has killed over 260 people since May 2023, underscores the complexity of the state’s challenges. President’s Rule has bolstered security operations, but long-term stability requires addressing ethnic divisions, curbing arms proliferation, and fostering economic recovery. As Manipur navigates this turbulent phase, the arrests highlight both the resolve of security forces and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to restore peace and rebuild trust.
Last Updated on: Friday, July 11, 2025 2:35 pm by Lok Ram | Published by: Lok Ram on Friday, July 11, 2025 2:35 pm | News Categories: Business
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