Imphal, Manipur – April 1, 2025
– Manipur continues to navigate a complex environment marked by the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), ongoing security operations, and significant political discussions, according to recent reports from local media outlets. An analysis of news from sources like the Sangai Express, Imphal Free Press, Hueiyen Lanpao, Manipur News Daily, and Hub Network, alongside national news agency United News of India (UNI) coverage, paints a picture of resilience amidst persistent challenges.
AFSPA Extended Across Most of Manipur
In a significant development concerning the state's security, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced a six-month extension of the AFSPA, effective today, April 1, 2025. This controversial law, which grants broad authority to armed forces in declared "disturbed areas," will remain in effect throughout Manipur, with the exception of 13 specific police station jurisdictions. These areas excluded from the AFSPA's purview include Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, and Wangoi in the Imphal West district; Porompat, Heingang, and Irilbung in the Imphal East district; Thoubal in the Thoubal district; and Bishnupur, Nambol, and Kakching in their respective districts. The extension of AFSPA highlights the central government's assessment of the ongoing security situation in Manipur, particularly in the context of the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that began in May 2023. This decision arrives while Manipur is under President's rule, imposed on February 13. AFSPA has been largely in force in Manipur since 2004.
Militants Apprehended in Security Crackdown
Adding to the security developments, Hub Network reported the arrest of five active members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyol group) on Monday, April 1, 2025. The individuals, identified as Khoisnam Sanajaoba Singh, Khoinaijam Robertson Singh, Soubam Rohit Singh, Leishangthem Naobi Singh, and Khaidem Nongooknganba Meitei, were apprehended in various locations within the Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Authorities recovered a 9mm pistol with live rounds, a pistol holster, three mobile phones, and two two-wheelers from their possession. These arrests were also reported by UNI, corroborating the details of the operation and the recovery of a firearm. The arrested individuals were allegedly involved in extortion and intimidation, activities that have contributed to the state's instability.
Extortion Activities Reportedly on the Decline
In a potentially positive shift, an article in the Indian Express, updated today, April 1, 2025, suggests a noticeable decrease in extortion-related activities in Manipur, particularly in the Meitei-majority valley, since the implementation of President's Rule. This observation is based on reports from shop owners, trade union leaders, and college teachers. The state government's anti-extortion helpline, launched on January 26, has received over 100 calls. Approximately 400 arrests have been made in connection with extortion since May 2023, with 140 occurring after President's Rule was imposed. A senior security official believes this decline is due to insurgent groups feeling less emboldened under the central rule. However, the report also notes that some businesses have observed a continuation of more subtle forms of extortion, such as demands circulated via WhatsApp.
Political Landscape Sees New Formations and Concerns
While immediate political news from Manipur-based sources dated April 1, 2025, is limited, earlier reports provide context. The Sangai Express reported on March 30, 2025, that Kuki-Zo leaders are actively considering forming a new political front, likely to be named the Kuki National Council (KNC). This development occurs against the backdrop of the continued demand from 10 Kuki MLAs for a separate administration.
The same Sangai Express report also highlighted a warning from former Minister Mathibo Thohrii regarding the potential for "disastrous consequences" if the delimitation process is rushed using the 2001 census data. Thohrii argued that this would lead to the marginalization of all indigenous people in Manipur.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently stated that the situation in Manipur is now relatively peaceful and that discussions are ongoing between the Meitei and Kuki communities to establish lasting peace.
Community Life Continues Amidst Challenges
Despite the ongoing tensions, life in Manipur continues in various forms. The Sangai Express reported the start of the Asmita City 3x3 Basketball League in Imphal. The newspaper also covered victories in the 2nd U-23 Men's Haobam Biramangol Memorial Trophy cricket tournament. Additionally, Huidrom Bhumeshwori was celebrated for winning a gold medal in the 800m race at the Indian Grand Prix-1 in Bangalore. In women's cricket, FORCE, Kshetrigao, secured a victory.
In a concerning development reported on March 30, 2025, the Hindustan Times noted that the Manipur government has offered a ₹10 lakh reward for information leading to the safe return of Luwangthem Mukesh, a 20-year-old who has been missing since March 16.
Drug Racket Busted in Kangpokpi
A significant recent event, reported by UNI on March 31, 2025, was the busting of a major drug racket in Kangpokpi, resulting in the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of suspected brown sugar.
Conclusion
The latest news from Manipur indicates a state facing continued security challenges, as evidenced by the extended AFSPA and ongoing anti-militant operations. While a decrease in overt extortion is reported, underlying issues may persist. The political scene is active with the potential formation of a new Kuki-Zo political front and concerns about the delimitation process. Despite these challenges, community life continues with engagement in sports and other activities.
Manipur Police Station Areas Under AFSPA Exclusion (as of April 1, 2025)
| District | Police Station Area |
| Imphal West | Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi |
| Imphal East | Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung |
| Thoubal | Thoubal |
| Bishnupur | Bishnupur, Nambol |
| Kakching | Kakching |
Key News Developments in Manipur (April 1, 2025)
| News Category | Headline/Summary | Source(s) |
| Security | AFSPA extended in entire Manipur except 13 police station areas. | Hindustan Times |
| Security | Five KCP cadres arrested in Imphal East and West for extortion. | Hub Network, UNI |
| Security | "Perceptible decline" in extortion activities reported. | Indian Express |
| Politics | Kuki-Zo leaders explore new political front (KNC). | Sangai Express (Mar 30) |
| Politics | Warning against hasty delimitation. | Sangai Express (Mar 30) |
| Social | Asmita City 3x3 Basketball League begins. | Sangai Express (Mar 30) |
| Social | Cricket tournament victories reported. | Sangai Express (Mar 30) |
| Social | Athletics gold medal for Huidrom Bhumeshwori. | Sangai Express (Mar 30) |
| Social | Women's cricket league campaign victory for FORCE, Kshetrigao. | Sangai Express (Mar 30) |
| Social | Manipur govt offers ₹10 lakh reward for missing youth Luwangthem Mukesh. | Hindustan Times (Mar 30) |
| Other | Major drug racket busted in Kangpokpi, six arrested. | UNI (Mar 31) |