Joint security forces seized 67 weapons from the United National Liberation Front (Pambei) in Manipur. The recovery took place during operations targeting the group three years after it signed a peace agreement with the central government.
Security forces recovered the weapons over two days of operations in Imphal West district. The haul included 27 AK-series rifles, 11 M-series rifles, four 9-mm pistols and one RPG-7. Police said some of the arms had been looted from state armouries during the conflict that began in May 2023.
A special operation was launched in Lamshang on Wednesday after receiving information about the sale of looted arms. Two UNLF(P) cadres were arrested with an INSAS LMG and ammunition. Associates of the arrested men opened fire, leading to a brief exchange before two more cadres were detained.
Police stated that the cadres were selling the weapons on the instructions of self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy, alias Macha. They also admitted to earlier sales of looted arms and ammunition. Around 6,000 weapons have been reported looted from state armouries since the start of the conflict.
