Manipur Update

Newly Formed ZLF Self-Styled Commander-in-Chief Arrested in Churachandpur

May 11, 2026 (CCpur):* Security forces arrested the self-styled commander-in-chief of the Zogam Liberation Front (ZLF), which was formed recently on November 25, 2025.

The 5-month-old Zogam Liberation Front aims to create Zoland or the Zoland Territorial Council (ZTC) in Churachandpur through a political movement spearheaded by the Zomi Council and allied groups, seeking a separate autonomous territory within Manipur for the Zomi people.

The arrested commander-in-chief of the Zogam Liberation Front has been identified as Vincent Pumjamang Taithul, 41, who was apprehended in the general area of Lamjang in Churachandpur district.

Pumjamang was involved in major extortion activities, recruitment of cadres through IDP settlements, and the smuggling of weapons and drugs. Rallies frequently occur in Churachandpur demanding this administrative setup, distinct from the broader Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a separate administration.

Police recover 17 fi****ms, including 10 pistols, from Langol Hill Range

May 10, 2026: Security forces recovered arms, anti-riot rubber shells, ammunition, and empty cartridges from Langol Hill Range under the jurisdiction of Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district on Sunday.

The recovered items included one INSAS rifle along with two magazines, one .303 rifle along with a magazine, one single-bore barrel, four bolt-action rifles, 10 pistols along with one magazine each, and five 38mm anti-riot rubber shells.

Other items recovered from the spot included one detonator, four empty cartridges, and five live rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition.