Assam Rifles and Manipur Police have achieved a major counter-insurgency breakthrough with the arrest of self-styled People's Liberation Army (PLA) Captain Thiyam Boycha Singh alias Balin, 28, who carried a ₹4 lakh bounty and was a prime accused in the 2021 Churachandpur ambush that killed Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family, and four Assam Rifles personnel.

The arrest was made during a joint operation at Ushoipokpi in Thoubal district on Saturday night.

Security forces launched the operation after precise intelligence generated by the Assam Rifles confirmed the militant’s presence in Bishnupur district. Acting swiftly, a targeted search was initiated on Saturday evening, leading to the successful interception of the dreaded PLA cadre.

On-the-spot questioning confirmed his identity as Thiyam Boycha Singh alias Balin, a self-styled Captain of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army. He was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and carried a bounty of ₹4 lakh.

He is a key accused in the November 13, 2021 ambush in Churachandpur district, where Colonel Viplav Tripathi, Commanding Officer of the Khuga Battalion of Assam Rifles, his wife Anuja, 36, their son Abir, 5, and four other personnel were killed in a brutal attack.

Initial interrogation revealed his deep involvement in PLA activities. He had undergone training and stayed for prolonged periods at insurgent camps in Myanmar. He was also engaged in the procurement and transfer of war-like stores and maintained linkages with other militant groups operating in the region.

The apprehended cadre was handed over to the Manipur Police at Lilong Police Station in Thoubal district on Saturday night for further legal proceedings.

The arrest underscores the seamless coordination between Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in counter-insurgency operations. Officials highlighted that such synergy is vital in maintaining peace and regional security in Manipur, which has long been plagued by insurgent violence.

The 2021 ambush remains one of the most shocking attacks in recent years. Colonel Tripathi, an alumnus of the 102 National Defence Academy Course, M Squadron, was commissioned into the 2 Kumaon Regiment after graduating from the Indian Military Academy in May 2002. His leadership in counter-insurgency and anti-smuggling operations had earned him respect across the ranks.

The killing of Tripathi and his family had drawn strong national outrage, prompting the Centre to hand over the case to the NIA. The arrest of Balin, nearly five years later, is seen as a significant step towards justice and a blow to the PLA’s operational capabilities.

Officials confirmed that further interrogation will focus on uncovering his network, supply chains, and cross-border linkages, particularly with camps in Myanmar. His capture is expected to weaken PLA’s influence and disrupt its coordination with other militant outfits.

The operation also comes at a time when Assam Rifles camps in Arunachal Pradesh have faced militant attacks, highlighting the continuing threat posed by insurgent groups in the Northeast.

Authorities emphasised that the arrest sends a strong message to insurgents that security forces remain vigilant and determined to dismantle militant networks.

Agencies