
Fri Jul 18 06:13:17 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
Based on a report published in “The Hindu” on July 18, 2025, security forces in Manipur, India, have recovered a significant amount of arms and ammunition and arrested two militants from banned organizations. The arrests were made in connection to extortion and other criminal activities, contributing to the ongoing instability in the region, which has been plagued by ethnic violence since May 2023. Security operations have been ongoing since the start of the ethnic violence. The state is currently under President’s Rule following the Chief Minister’s resignation due to the unrest.
**News Article:**
**Manipur: Security Forces Crack Down on Militant Activity Amidst Ongoing Ethnic Unrest**
**Imphal, July 18, 2025** – Security forces in Manipur have made significant headway in combating militant activity amidst the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. According to police reports, a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during a search operation in Churachandpur.
In addition to the arms recovery, two militants belonging to proscribed organizations were apprehended on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. One cadre from the banned Prepak group was arrested in the Thinungei Mamang Paton area of Bishnupur district. Authorities report that the individual had undergone military training and was actively involved in extortion targeting schools, pharmacies, government offices, doctors, and engineers in the Bishnupur district and Imphal areas.
The second arrest involved a member of the outlawed National Revolutionary Front of Manipur, apprehended in the Koirengei Awang Potshangbam Road area of Imphal East district. The suspect is accused of abduction, demanding ransom to fund his organization, and supplying arms and ammunition. Police also stated that he played a crucial role in facilitating the movement of militants within the valley.
These actions come as security forces continue to conduct search operations across Manipur in response to the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The conflict has resulted in over 260 deaths and rendered thousands homeless.
The state is currently under President’s Rule, which was imposed on February 13th following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the wake of the escalating violence. The Manipur State Assembly remains in suspended animation. The ongoing security operations highlight the continued efforts to restore peace and stability in the troubled region.