UNLF (K) Self-Styled Lieutenant Arrested as Security Forces Recover IEDs, Destroy Poppy Fields in Manipur

Imphal, February 8, 2026: Security forces have intensified intelligence-based combing, cordon and search operations across Manipur to curb extortion and criminal activities, leading to multiple arrests, recoveries of arms and explosives, and the destruction of illegal poppy plantations.

On February 7, security forces arrested an extortionist and active cadre of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive) (PREPAK-Pro), identified as Sagolsem Joychandra Singh alias Bungcha (47), from Kongba Nandeibam Leikai area under Irilbung Police Station in Imphal East district. A mobile phone, a wallet containing ₹40, and an Aadhaar card were recovered from his possession.

On the same day, an active cadre of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Seram Manimatum Meetei alias Mani (20), a resident of Senjam Khunou Mayai Leikai under Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West district, was arrested from his residence. A mobile phone was seized during the operation.

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In another operation on February 7, security forces apprehended an extortionist cadre of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) from Kakching Lamkhai area under Kakching Police Station. The arrested individual was identified as Takhelambam Mohen Singh (31) of Pallel Maning Leikai, Kakching district. A mobile phone was seized from him.

Earlier, on February 6, a self-styled lieutenant of the United National Liberation Front (K) [UNLF (K)], Sorokhaibam Rosses alias Kangleipuba (40), originally from Chairel Leingangtabi Makha Leikai, Kakching district, and presently residing at Khongman Mangjil in Imphal East district, was arrested from the Canchipur area under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West district. A mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered from him.

Meanwhile, on February 7, security forces recovered mortars and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the general area of Yangoubung along the Indo–Myanmar border near Border Pillar 72–73 under Moreh Police Station in Tengnoupal district. The explosives were later safely destroyed in situ by a bomb disposal team.

In a major anti-narcotics drive, a joint team of security forces and the Forest Department on February 7 destroyed approximately 70 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the Sihai hill range under Ukhrul Police Station, Ukhrul district. Four huts found at the plantation sites were also burnt and destroyed during the operation.

Security agencies said such sustained operations will continue across the state to dismantle militant networks, curb extortion activities, and eliminate illegal drug cultivation, in an effort to restore law and order in Manipur.