Manipur violence dips, drug seizures rise: Officials
In four months, authorities seized 2,390 weapons in Manipur. A significant number of these recovered arms were found to be looted during earlier periods of unrest. This large-scale recovery highlights intensified efforts under the current administration to restore law and order, curb violence, and reduce the illegal possession of firearms, which had surged amid previous disturbances in the region.
Manipur Witnesses Sharp Decline in Violence and Rise in Drug Seizures Under President’s Rule: Officials
According to top security and government officials, the state has seen a dramatic reduction in civilian deaths and injuries, alongside a remarkable increase in the number of drug seizures and arrests related to narcotics and extortion.
That erupted in May 2023. So far, no new arms have been reported missing from police armouries since central rule began, marking a crucial step in restoring law and order.
Despite these efforts, officials say the recovery of the remaining firearms and tackling the resurgence of banned valley-based insurgent groups remain significant challenges. These terrorist outfits are reportedly involved in extortion, petty crimes, and interference in civil matters such as matrimonial and property disputes.
Breakthrough: Asem Kanan Singh, Arambai Tenggol leader, arrested. Singh, along with four associates, was arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Manipur Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was wanted in several cases, including an alleged attack on an Additional Superintendent of Police last year.
Following Singh’s arrest, Arambai Tenggol announced that it would distance itself from any ongoing violent activities carried out in its name. Officials report that this move has contributed to a growing sense of peace in several areas of the valley.
Since February 13, only one protest-related fatality has been recorded, a steep drop compared to the 260 deaths reported from May 3, 2023, until the start of President’s rule. Injury reports also fell drastically, with just 29 cases reported in the past four months, as opposed to 1,776 cases during the earlier period.
This is in stark contrast to the over 17,000 such incidents reported before central rule was enforced. The administration credits this shift to the coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies and a more robust governance framework.
Between February and June, 84 individuals were arrested in connection with narcotic trafficking. Security forces have seized 24.4 kg of heroin, 25.7 kg of brown sugar, 31.8 kg of opium, and over 379 kg of cannabis or ‘ganja.’
Additionally, efforts to dismantle illegal militant infrastructure have intensified. In the past four months, 63 illegal bunkers were destroyed, adding to a total of 548 dismantled since May 2023.
In terms of extortion, 336 arrests were made during the President’s rule period alone, contributing to a cumulative total of 601. However, security officials express concern over the resurgence of banned outfits such as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup (KYKL), and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK). These groups are not only engaged in extortion but are also accused of conducting illegal arbitrations in civil disputes.
The crackdown on these terror groups and continued recovery of looted arms are seen as essential steps toward lasting peace in Manipur. Officials reiterate that although significant progress has been made, sustained vigilance and coordinated operations will be key to restoring full normalcy in the region.