Security forces in Manipur have intensified search operations in the Sekmai area after armed assailants stole firearms from the farmhouse of Thangmeiband MLA Khumukcham Joykishan on Tuesday evening. The incident has prompted a significant law enforcement response, with a large-scale search and verification operation being conducted across multiple villages.
The robbery occurred at approximately 7:25 PM on August 27, when six unidentified, masked gunmen entered the farmhouse in Awang Leikinthabi, Imphal West. The assailants, armed and masked, overpowered the Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel stationed at the farmhouse, seizing three self-loading rifles (SLRs), four magazines, and 80 rounds of ammunition. In addition to the firearms, the robbers also took three mobile phones from the VDF personnel before fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, a suo moto case was registered at the Sekmai Police Station, initiating a thorough investigation into the theft. On Wednesday, a combined security force, under the supervision of Imphal West Superintendent of Police Shivakanta, launched an extensive cordon and search operation in the areas surrounding Sekmai. The operation, which lasted from 9:45 AM to 1:20 PM, involved multiple security units, including personnel from Sekmai Police Station, the Imphal West Commando, CRPF, BSF, RAF, and other paramilitary forces.
During the operation, security forces verified the identities of 1,430 individuals across five villages—Sekmai Laipat, Sekmai Parao, Awang Leikinthabi, Awang Wabagai, and Awang Potshangbam. Sixteen individuals were detained for further questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. However, no firearms or other stolen items were recovered during the search, and the operation concluded without any untoward incidents.
The theft of firearms from an MLA’s property has raised concerns about security in the region, particularly given the ongoing political tensions in Manipur. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and further search operations are expected as efforts to recover the stolen weapons and apprehend the suspects continue.
