Arms smuggling bid foiled in Manipur, 67 weapons recovered in major security crackdown

Manipur Police and joint security forces have recovered a massive cache of arms and ammunition following a special operation launched in Lamdeng under Lamshang Police Station area, leading to the arrest of four cadres linked to the UNLF (P).

According to a police press note, the operation was initiated on May 20 after security agencies received credible intelligence about attempts to sell looted arms and ammunition in the Lamshang area.

During the operation, security personnel apprehended two active UNLF (P) cadres — Heishnam Thomas Singh (29) of Mayang Imphal Kokchai and Arambam Tomtom Singh (29) of Lamshang Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai. Officials seized one INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG), three INSAS LMG magazines and 14 live rounds from their possession.

Police said associates of the arrested cadres allegedly opened fire on security personnel during the operation, triggering a brief exchange of fire. Subsequently, two more individuals — Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh — were detained for allegedly firing at security forces.

During preliminary interrogation, the arrested persons allegedly disclosed that they had come to sell the seized weapon on the instructions of self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy alias Macha of UNLF (P). They also reportedly admitted involvement in previous instances of selling looted arms and ammunition.

Based on follow-up leads, a joint team comprising Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF conducted a cordon-and-search operation at an alleged unauthorised UNLF (P) camp in Lamdeng. Security forces recovered 29 weapons, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols and other firearms.

On May 21, joint forces recovered an additional 38 weapons and heavy military-grade equipment, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, a sniper rifle, carbines, shotguns, mortars, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer and a large quantity of explosives.

Police appealed to the public to immediately report any information related to looted or illegally possessed weapons to the nearest police station, stressing that public cooperation remains essential for maintaining peace and security in the state.