Security Forces Dismantle 'Illegal' Check Posts In Manipur, 11 Militants Arrested In Last 2 Days

The development comes as President's rule was imposed in Manipur on Thursday and the state assembly put under suspended animation following Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation. 

Security personnel during a search operation in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts of Manipur.

Source : PTI

Security forces have dismantled "illegal check posts" set up by village volunteers in Manipur along the Imphal-Churachandpur road. Meanwhile, 11 militants have been arrested in the last two days in the northeastern state.

The development comes as President's rule was imposed in Manipur on Thursday and the state assembly put under suspended animation following Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation. 

The check posts came into existence since the beginning of the ethnic conflict, police told news agency PTI.

"Joint security forces dismantled volunteer check posts at Kaprang and S Kwatlian in Churachandpur District on NH-2. Security forces have taken over these locations and free movement of common vehicles is being ensured," a police officer said.

The ethnic violence in Manipur began in May 2023, and has since witnessed brutal clashes between the majority Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the surrounding hills. The violence has resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced thousands.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered regarding fraudulent calls by unknown individuals to state assembly legislators. "Manipur Police has received complaints about fraudulent calls from unknown individuals attempting to influence and mislead MLAs of the state assembly by exploiting the ongoing political situation in the state," another police official told PTI.

"With regard to this, an FIR has been registered in Imphal PS and necessary legal action is underway," the officer said.

11 Militants Arrested In Last Two Days

The 11 militants arrested in the last two days include seven suspected cadres of the Kuki National Army. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from them. Police said "KNA cadres" were apprehended on Friday from old Khaukual area in Churachandpur.

KNA is a signatory of the tripartite suspension of operations (SoO) pact, which the United Peoples’ Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Manipur government signed in 2008. However, the Manipur government withdrew from the pact in March 2023.

In another operation, four active members of the proscribed outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG group), including two women, were arrested on Saturday from Huikap village in Imphal East district.

The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, live ammunition, pistols, incriminating documents, and booklets from their possession, PTI reported.