Massive Arms Haul in Manipur: Security Forces Recover 67 Weapons in Imphal West
A joint operation by Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF led to the recovery of 67 weapons and the arrest of four UNLF(P) cadres allegedly involved in trafficking looted arms in Imphal West district.
IMPHAL- In a major counter-insurgency operation, Manipur Police, along with the Assam Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), recovered a large cache of arms and explosives and arrested four active cadres of the banned United National Liberation Front (Pambei faction) [UNLF(P)] from the Lamdeng area under Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West district.
According to officials, the operation was launched on May 20 following specific intelligence inputs regarding attempts to sell looted weapons and ammunition in the Lamshang area.
Security personnel initially apprehended two alleged UNLF(P) cadres identified as Heishnam Thomas Singh (29), a resident of Mayang Imphal Kokchai, and Arambam Tomtom Singh (29), a resident of Lamshang Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai. Authorities recovered one INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG), three magazines and 14 live rounds from their possession.
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During the operation, associates of the arrested cadres allegedly opened fire on the security forces, resulting in a brief exchange of fire. Subsequently, two more cadres — Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh — were arrested in connection with the incident.
Following the arrests, joint security teams carried out cordon and search operations at an alleged unauthorised UNLF(P) camp in Lamdeng.
Officials stated that the initial search led to the recovery of 29 weapons, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols and other firearms, along with ammunition and war-like stores.
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On May 21, security forces reportedly recovered an additional 38 weapons from the area. The seizure included AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, a sniper rifle, carbines, shotguns, mortars, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer and a substantial quantity of explosives.
In total, 67 weapons, along with large quantities of ammunition and explosives, were recovered during the operation. Authorities suspect that several of the weapons were looted from police armouries during earlier episodes of unrest in the state.
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According to a statement issued by Manipur Police, the arrested cadres allegedly revealed during preliminary interrogation that they had been instructed by a self-styled “Lance Corporal” identified as Naorem Bijoy alias Macha of UNLF(P) to sell the weapons. The accused also reportedly admitted involvement in previous instances of illegal arms sales.
Police have appealed to the public to share information regarding looted or illegally possessed weapons to assist ongoing efforts aimed at restoring normalcy in the state.
The operation comes amid continuing security challenges in Manipur, despite the UNLF(P) entering into a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2023. Officials stated that investigations are underway to trace the origin of the seized weapons and identify individuals linked to the alleged arms trafficking network.
