Thu Sep 25 05:25:25 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text provided, focusing on the key details and presented in a journalistic style:
**Imphal, Manipur – September 25, 2025** – Security forces in Manipur have arrested two militants and an arms dealer in separate operations conducted in the Imphal West and Bishnupur districts, police announced on Thursday. The arrests come amid ongoing search operations in the region following prolonged ethnic violence.
According to a senior police officer, an active member of the banned Prepak outfit was apprehended in Paona Bazar, Imphal West, on Wednesday. He is accused of extorting ₹5,000 from a resident in the Kakching area. In Bishnupur district, a cadre of the banned Peoples’ Liberation Army was arrested in Tronglaobi. The arrest in Tronglaobi triggered protests from local residents demanding the release of the individual.
In a separate operation, a 48-year-old arms dealer was arrested in the Moirangkhom Old Thumbuthong Makhong area of Imphal West. Police recovered a 9 mm pistol and ammunition from his possession.
Additionally, security forces recovered IED components from the Kaibung area in Kakching district. The recovered materials included a container weighing 1.7 kg, 3 kg of sand, 470 gm of TNT explosives, screws, an electric detonator, and electric wire.
These operations are part of an ongoing effort to maintain security in Manipur, which has been gripped by ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The violence has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced thousands. The central government had previously imposed President’s rule in the state following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The State Assembly remains under suspended animation.
First Piper 