Arms used in Manipur violence smuggled through Myanmar: Intelligence sources

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• Jun 27, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Sources with intelligence asserted that arms used to instigate unrest and violence in Manipur were smuggled through...

Digital Desk: In a shocking revelation, sources with intelligence asserted that arms used to instigate unrest and violence in Manipur were smuggled through Myanmar. As per reports, a large consignment of weapons was received in Manipur this month through the Myanmar route.

Confidential sources also revealed that active insurgency factions in Manipur obtained a large cache of weapons in three vehicles.

These weapons were reportedly brought from the black market near the Myanmar-China border before being sent to Manipur.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles personnel along the border have been placed on high alert, and surveillance on the India-Myanmar open border has been maintained.

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4 People Arrested for Smuggling Arms in Imphal

Four people, including an IRB personnel, were arrested on Tuesday by a security team in connection with arms smuggling. The arrests were made during a search operation in the Imphal East district.

A combined team of Imphal East District Commando, Heingang police, and the 16th Jat regiment conducted search operations in Kairang Awang Leikai, Khomidok, and Heikhrumakhong after receiving information about the presence of arms trafficking smugglers.

During the searches, arms and ammunition, as well as Rs 2.5 lakh in cash, mobile phones, and two four-wheelers, were recovered.

Manipur Violence

So far, more than 100 individuals have died in ethnic conflict in the northeastern state between Meitei and Kuki groups.

Clashes erupted on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was held in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur's population and dwell primarily in the Imphal Valley. Another 40% of the population is comprised of the Naga and Kuki tribes, who live in the hill districts.