Two militants were arrested in Manipur's Imphal East district, police confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. A self-styled lieutenant of the banned Peoples' Liberation Army was caught at Yaingangpokpi Bazar on Tuesday, February 17. He is Ningthoujam Ibungocha alias Sathouba Meitei, aged 38. Another militant, Athokpam Manaoton Meitei, 42, was arrested in Sawombung. In a separate operation, security forces seized weapons and ammunition along Ngairangbam Tanoukhul Road in Imphal West district. The seized items included a double-barrel gun, a country-made pistol with a magazine, 181 bullets of various calibres, three magazines, two hand grenades, and a detonator. The operation strengthens ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms and militant activity in the region.