IMPHAL | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand held a high-level security review with senior Assam Rifles officials at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Babupara, Imphal, on Sunday, a day after security forces arrested a senior, wanted cadre of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The meeting was attended by Assam Rifles Inspector General (East) Major General Inderjit Singh Bhinder and DIG, 22 Sector Assam Rifles, Brigadier Anshuman Tripathi.

Discussions focused on the prevailing security situation in sensitive districts, ongoing counter-insurgency operations, operational preparedness of security forces, border management and civic action programmes aimed at supporting communities in vulnerable areas.

The meeting followed the arrest of self-styled PLA Captain Thiyam Boycha Singh, alias Balin, during a joint operation by the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police on August 22. Security forces apprehended Singh in the Ushoipokpi area of Thoubal district after receiving specific intelligence regarding his presence and movement. The operation was launched at around 5:30 pm, with joint teams conducting a coordinated search before intercepting the alleged militant.

Authorities described Singh as a high-value target wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which had announced a reward of Rs 4 lakh for information leading to his arrest. Singh is allegedly a key accused in the November 13, 2021, ambush in Churachandpur district in which Assam Rifles Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife and their young son, along with four other Assam Rifles personnel, were killed.

According to preliminary interrogation, Singh had allegedly spent extended periods at an insurgent camp in neighbouring Myanmar, where he received military training. He is also suspected of involvement in procuring and transporting arms and other war-like stores, besides maintaining operational links with other active insurgent groups.

Following initial questioning, Singh was handed over to Manipur Police at Lilong Police Station in Thoubal district at around 6:20 pm for further legal proceedings. The arrest prompted the Chief Minister’s security review with senior Assam Rifles officers, with particular attention to counter-insurgency operations and coordination between security agencies.

Following the meeting, Khemchand praised the Assam Rifles for its continued role in maintaining peace and security in Manipur. He also highlighted the force’s contribution to efforts aimed at restoring normalcy in the state.

Security officials said the latest operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-sharing and close coordination between the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in countering insurgent activities and strengthening security across the state.