Manipur arrests 5 militants amid Naga civilian ambush tensions

Security forces in Manipur arrested five militants from banned outfits in coordinated operations across multiple districts over the past 24 hours, officials said on Friday, August 28, 2026. The arrests came as the state grappled with a separate deadly ambush on Naga civilians and heightened ethnic tensions. The militants, belonging to groups including the Peoples Liberation Army and the United National Liberation Front, were apprehended in Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching districts. Police stated the individuals were involved in crimes such as attacks, kidnapping, and extortion. This security activity occurred against a backdrop of escalating violence.