A high-stakes security operation has unfolded in Manipur's Imphal West district, dealing a substantial blow to rogue militant activities in the region. Over a intense 24-hour window, a heavily armed, combined force consisting of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a targeted strike against an unauthorized faction outpost. The coordinated operation culminated in the arrest of four seasoned militants and the recovery of more than 60 high-grade firearms, exposing how deeply entrenched illegal armaments remain despite high-level peace negotiations.
​The entire sequence of events kicked off following a precise, time-sensitive intelligence breakthrough secured by a special team of the Manipur Police. The reports explicitly indicated that a significant cache of military-grade weapons was being prepared for black-market sale at a location in Lamdeng. Acting instantly, undercover police units moved into the area to intercept the deal, resulting in the immediate arrest of two suspects. The situation escalated rapidly as associates of the detainees opened fire on the police team, triggering a fierce exchange of gunshots before security personnel successfully neutralized the threat and apprehended two additional operatives.
​With the immediate threat contained, the security apparatus widened its perimeter, transforming the localized arrest into a massive cordon-and-search operation. The combined teams moved directly onto an unauthorized camp operated by members of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei faction)—a group that had notably signed a formal peace agreement with the central government back in 2023. The initial sweep of the illegal Lamdeng facility yielded a staggering 29 weapons, including standard AK-series rifles, M-series tactical rifles, automatic pistols, and a vast amount of live ammunition.
​However, the true scale of the outpost's capabilities was uncovered during subsequent, early-morning sweeps of the dense terrain surrounding the camp. Moving meticulously through the area into Thursday morning, the tactical units uncovered an additional stash of 38 highly lethal firearms. This secondary recovery featured specialized sniper rifles, compact carbines, advanced explosives, and sophisticated anti-drone jammers, pushing the final tally comfortably past the 60-weapon mark and proving that the faction was maintaining a heavily fortified, illegal supply chain outside of the official peace framework.
​According to Imphal West Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta Singh, the presence of such an extensive, unmonitored arsenal within an unauthorized camp raises severe procedural alarms. The state's enforcement agencies have reiterated that while the overarching political leadership of the UNLF (P) remains tied to the 2023 peace accord, ground-level factions operating hidden, militarized camps without state oversight will face the absolute full force of the law. The department has initiated a deep forensic analysis of the seized weapons to trace their original points of origin and determine if they were recently smuggled across international borders.
​This aggressive joint intervention comes at a critical time for Manipur, which is navigating a highly fragile, prolonged recovery from severe ethnic and civil unrest. The presence of sophisticated anti-drone technology among the seized items has particularly worried defense analysts, as it signals a rapid technological evolution among regional insurgent groups. By successfully executing this high-risk raid without suffering any security casualties, the combined forces have sent a strong, uncompromising message: the state will tolerate no parallel military structures or shadow arsenals under the guise of ongoing political dialogue.
​Ultimately, the successful disarmament operation in Lamdeng highlights the massive, ongoing challenges of restoring long-term peace in northeast India. While signed treaties on paper represent vital political milestones, the reality on the ground demands continuous, aggressive vigilance to prevent splinter groups from re-arming. As the four arrested individuals undergo intense interrogation at a secure facility, the recovered weapons have been formally logged into state evidence, marking a vital victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle to completely strip the region of illegal firearms and establish a stable civil order.