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Three militants, including two women, arrested in Manipur

February 15, 2026 4 min read Internal Security Polity & Governance GS Paper 2 GS Paper 3
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What Happened

  • Security forces arrested three militants belonging to two proscribed organizations in Manipur during coordinated operations across multiple districts on February 14, 2026.
  • Two active cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) were apprehended from Imphal West and Imphal East districts.
  • One member of the proscribed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) was arrested from his residence in Moirang Khounou, Bishnupur district.
  • During follow-up operations in the Khulsaibung hill range of Tengnoupal district, security forces recovered one single-barrel gun, two pistols, and eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
  • The arrests come amid continued ethnic tensions in Manipur, with renewed violence between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities reported in Ukhrul district since early February 2026.

Static Topic Bridges

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967

The UAPA is the primary central legislation for designating organizations as "unlawful associations" and combating terrorist activities in India. In November 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared nine Meitei extremist organizations as unlawful associations under the UAPA for a period of five years, citing their involvement in secessionist, subversive, and terrorist activities aimed at establishing an independent nation through armed struggle and secession of Manipur from India.

  • Enacted: 1967; Major amendments: 2004, 2008, 2012, 2019
  • Section 3: Power to declare associations as unlawful (by Central Government notification in Official Gazette)
  • Section 35: Designation of terrorist organizations (First Schedule)
  • 2019 Amendment: Empowered government to designate individuals as terrorists (not just organizations)
  • Tribunal under Section 5: Reviews ban within 6 months; ban valid for 5 years, renewable
  • Organizations banned in November 2023 include: PLA and its political wing RPF, UNLF, PREPAK and its armed wing Red Army, KCP and its armed wing Red Army, among nine Meitei groups
  • Grounds for ban: "Secessionist, subversive, terrorist and violent activities" threatening sovereignty and integrity of India

Connection to this news: The arrested militants belong to KCP (Apunba) and PREPAK, both declared unlawful under the UAPA since November 2023. Their continued operations despite the ban underscore the challenge of completely dismantling insurgent networks in the northeastern region, even after formal proscription.

Insurgency in Manipur and the Northeast

Manipur has experienced multiple layers of insurgency since the 1960s, involving Meitei, Naga, and Kuki armed groups with differing and often conflicting demands. The Meitei insurgent groups such as PLA (founded 1978), PREPAK (founded 1977), and KCP (formed as a 1980 splinter from PREPAK) seek an independent socialist Manipur. Simultaneously, Naga groups seek integration of Naga-inhabited areas, while Kuki organizations demand a separate administration, creating a complex multi-ethnic security challenge.

  • PLA (People's Liberation Army of Manipur): Founded September 25, 1978 by N. Bisheshwar Singh; political wing -- Revolutionary People's Front (RPF); seeks independent socialist Manipur
  • PREPAK: Founded 1977 by R.K. Tulachandra; armed wing -- Red Army
  • KCP (Kangleipak Communist Party): Formed 1980 as splinter from PREPAK; armed wing also named Red Army
  • All three are Meitei insurgent groups listed in First Schedule of UAPA
  • Post-May 2023: Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities added a new dimension to the security situation
  • February 2026: Renewed tensions between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities in Ukhrul district

Connection to this news: The arrest of KCP and PREPAK cadres reflects the persistence of Meitei insurgent activities even as the state grapples with inter-ethnic violence. The recovery of eight IEDs indicates an active threat capability that extends beyond organizational survival to operational readiness.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958

AFSPA empowers the armed forces to operate in "disturbed areas" with expanded powers including search, arrest, and use of force. The Act remains in force in most of Manipur, with periodic reviews and partial withdrawals. As of October 2025, AFSPA applies to the entire state of Manipur except 13 police station areas in five districts (Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching).

  • Section 3: Central or State Government can declare an area as "disturbed" for AFSPA application
  • Section 4: Armed forces in disturbed areas can fire upon persons acting in contravention of prohibitory orders, arrest without warrant, enter and search premises without warrant
  • Current status in Manipur (October 2025 - March 2026): Entire state under AFSPA except 13 police station areas in 5 districts
  • Exempt police stations: Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi (Imphal West); Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung (Imphal East); Thoubal (Thoubal); Bishnupur, Nambol (Bishnupur); Kakching (Kakching)
  • Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association v. Union of India (2016): Supreme Court held that AFSPA does not grant immunity from investigation for extrajudicial killings
  • Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005): Recommended repeal of AFSPA and incorporation of its provisions into UAPA

Connection to this news: The successful operations in Tengnoupal and Bishnupur districts -- both areas where AFSPA is in force -- demonstrate the operational framework under which security forces conduct anti-insurgency operations in Manipur. Tengnoupal, bordering Myanmar, is a critical corridor for cross-border militant movement and arms smuggling.

Key Facts & Data

  • Arrested: 3 militants -- 2 from KCP (Apunba), 1 from PREPAK
  • Districts of arrest: Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur
  • Arms recovered: 1 single-barrel gun, 2 pistols, 8 IEDs (from Khulsaibung hill range, Tengnoupal district)
  • UAPA ban on Meitei groups: November 13, 2023, for 5 years
  • Nine Meitei organizations banned: PLA/RPF, UNLF, PREPAK/Red Army, KCP/Red Army, and others
  • AFSPA status in Manipur: In force across state except 13 police station areas in 5 districts (October 2025 - March 2026)
  • PLA founded: 1978; PREPAK founded: 1977; KCP formed: 1980