Manipur arrests: KYKL militant nabbed for Moirang petrol pump blast, UKNA finance head held

The Manipur Police have arrested a militant in Bishnupur district in connection with a bomb blast at a petrol pump in Moirang earlier this year. No casualties were reported in the incident, which occurred at an unidentified date before July 2026.

The arrested individual has been identified as Mayanglambam Tomba Singh (39), a resident of Bijang Khunou in Churachandpur district. He is currently staying at the Phubala Relief Camp. Police say Singh is an active member of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). He was apprehended at the Tera Urak checkpoint in Bishnupur district on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

According to police, a 9 mm pistol with a magazine and 11 live rounds of ammunition of various calibres were recovered from his possession. Singh is alleged to be involved in the explosion at a Moirang petrol pump. The blast caused damage but no loss of life.

In a separate operation, security forces arrested a suspected finance head of the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA) from Molnom in Churachandpur district. The suspect has been identified as S. Palal Kuki. Police allege he was involved in multiple cases of firing and extortion.

Both arrests underscore ongoing security operations in the state, which has witnessed decades of insurgency and ethnic tensions. The KYKL and UKNA are among several militant groups active in Manipur, often demanding greater autonomy or separate homelands. Relief camps like Phubala house thousands displaced by conflict.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact date of the petrol pump blast or provided further details on the UKNA suspect's alleged activities. Investigations are continuing.