Manipur’s security forces achieved a significant success on Friday, October 3, 2025, announcing the arrest of four militants, including a prominent leader of a banned Kuki organization. This operation marks a crucial step in maintaining stability in the region.
Among those apprehended was Paokholen Guite, who held the self-styled title of ‘commander-in-chief’ for the Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA). He was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in the S. Munuam area of Churachandpur district.
Authorities detailed Guite’s alleged criminal activities, which included orchestrating the trafficking of weapons and illicit drugs across the sensitive India-Myanmar border. He was also a central figure in various extortion rackets. During his arrest, security personnel confiscated a substantial cache, including two AK-47 rifles, 181 rounds of diverse ammunition, ₹1,00,000 in cash, and a vehicle, underscoring the scale of his operations.
Further coordinated efforts led to the capture of two cadres belonging to the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from different locations within Imphal West district on Thursday, October 2, 2025. These individuals were reportedly engaged in extorting money from local brick field owners and the general public in the valley region. Additionally, another PLA member, who specialized in similar extortion activities and collecting funds from quarry workers, was arrested from his home in Yairipok, Thoubal district, also on Wednesday.
The People’s Liberation Army has been under intense scrutiny following a violent incident in September, where they allegedly carried out an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy. This attack, which occurred at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district, tragically resulted in the deaths of two personnel.