In a significant operation targeting insurgent activities in Manipur, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Border Security Force (BSF), successfully arrested 17 insurgents and confiscated a substantial cache of weapons and explosives. This intelligence-driven operation took place between April 26 and May 4, 2025, and covered several districts, including Kakching, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi.
During the operation, security forces recovered 31 weapons, which comprised automatic rifles, pistols, improvised mortars, grenades, and various types of ammunition. Moreover, 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a range of other war-like materials were also seized. All detained individuals and the recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further legal proceedings and investigations.
Photographs from the operation reveal security personnel showcasing the seized arsenal, accompanied by a trained Labrador, symbolizing the essential role of canine units in detecting explosives. Additional images depict bomb disposal squads navigating the challenging forested and rugged landscapes of Manipur, emphasizing the operational difficulties inherent in the region’s hill-valley topography.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts to address the ethnic unrest that has plagued the state, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. The violence, rooted in political and land disputes and exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal arms, has led to the displacement of thousands and resulted in multiple casualties. This latest crackdown follows a similar arms recovery mission in January 2025, during which 35 weapons were seized across districts including Thoubal and Churachandpur.
The Indian Army has increasingly integrated trained canine units, such as Labradors and German Shepherds, into their counter-insurgency strategies. These dogs are crucial for explosive detection and skilled at tracking militants in dense and remote terrains, proving their effectiveness in the state’s turbulent environment.
Authorities continue to express their dedication to restoring peace and security in Manipur. Joint security operations are set to persist, aiming to dismantle armed insurgent networks and combat the illegal arms trade that has historically fueled conflict in the region.
