Manipur Security Forces Seize 67 Weapons, Arrest 4 UNLF(P) Cadres in Imphal West
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
- May 21, 2026
- 276
In a major crackdown on illegal arms trafficking in conflict-hit Manipur, a joint team of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force seized 67 weapons, including looted police firearms, and arrested four cadres of the United National Liberation Front-Pambei from the Lamshang area in Imphal West district.
The operation exposed an alleged arms-selling racket involving cadres of the Pambei faction of the UNLF, which had signed a peace agreement with the Centre and the State government on November 29, 2023.
According to police sources, the arrested cadres were attempting to sell looted police weapons when security personnel, posing as decoy customers, intercepted them. A brief exchange of fire took place during the operation before the cadres were apprehended.
UNLF(P) Cadres Arrested During Operation
Based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the illegal sale of looted arms and ammunition in the Lamshang area, Manipur Police launched a special operation on May 20.
During the operation, two active UNLF(P) cadres — Heishnam Thomas Singh (29) from Mayang Imphal Kokchai and Arambam Tomtom Singh (29) from Lamshang Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai — were arrested. Security forces recovered one INSAS LMG, three INSAS LMG magazines, and 14 live rounds from their possession.
Imphal East Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve said the recovered weapons are suspected to be stolen police arms and verification is underway to determine their origin.
“While the arrest process was going on, associates of the cadres opened fire at the security forces, resulting in a brief exchange of fire,” the SP said.
Subsequently, two more cadres — Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh — were arrested for allegedly firing upon security personnel.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the accused had allegedly come to sell the seized weapons under instructions from self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy alias Macha of UNLF(P). Police said the arrested cadres also admitted involvement in earlier illegal sales of looted arms and ammunition.
Massive Cache of Arms Recovered
Following the arrests, joint security forces conducted a cordon-and-search operation at an unauthorised UNLF(P) camp located in Lamdeng.
The operation led to the recovery of 29 weapons, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols, and several other firearms.
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, security forces recovered an additional 38 weapons and heavy war-like stores. The seized items included:
- AK-series rifles
- M-series rifles
- Sniper rifles
- Carbines
- Shotguns
- Mortars
- RPG-7 launcher
- Anti-drone jammer
- Grenades and explosives
Security agencies also seized a sophisticated “Made in Taiwan” anti-drone jammer, which police suspect may have been procured through Myanmar-based channels.
Background of Manipur Violence
More than 6,000 police weapons and lakhs of rounds of ammunition were looted after ethnic violence erupted between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
Authorities said over 4,500 looted police weapons have been recovered so far through continuous operations across the state.
Under the 2023 peace agreement, UNLF(P) cadres are required to stay in designated camps and surrender all weapons to authorities. The latest seizure has raised concerns about continued illegal possession and circulation of arms despite the peace accord.
Police Appeal to Public
Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting information regarding looted or illegally possessed weapons.
“The public is requested to immediately report any information regarding looted or illegally possessed weapons to the nearest police station. Your cooperation is vital in maintaining peace, safety and security in the community,” the officer said.