Joint security forces achieved a major breakthrough amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur after recovering a huge cache of sophisticated weapons, explosives, and combat equipment during coordinated operations in the Lamdeng area of Imphal West district. Authorities launched the operation on Wednesday following specific intelligence inputs about the alleged sale of looted arms and ammunition in the region.
During the first phase of the operation, Manipur Police arrested two active cadres of the banned outfit UNLF (P), identified as Heishnam Thomas Singh and Arambam Tomtom Singh. Security personnel seized an INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG), three LMG magazines, and 14 live rounds from them. Officials said associates of the accused allegedly opened fire on the security team during the arrests, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire.
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Manipur: Two More Held in Arms Case
Subsequently, security forces arrested two more individuals — Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh — for their alleged involvement in the firing incident. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly come to sell the seized weapons under instructions from a self-styled UNLF(P) functionary. Security agencies also suspect the group’s involvement in earlier cases linked to the illegal trade of looted arms and ammunition.
Based on the interrogation, Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and CRPF launched follow-up raids at an alleged unauthorised UNLF(P) camp in Lamdeng and recovered a massive stockpile of arms. Officials said security forces seized a total of 67 weapons, including AK-series rifles, M16 and M21 rifles, sniper rifles, carbines, mortars, pump-action guns, an RPG-7 launcher, explosives, anti-drone equipment, and large quantities of ammunition. Authorities described the operation as one of the biggest recoveries in recent months and urged the public to share information about illegally possessed weapons to help restore peace in the state.
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