A joint operation conducted by the Manipur Police, the Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led to the apprehension of four members of the armed group United National Liberation Front-Pambei (UNLF-P) in Imphal West. The operation took place on May 20, 2026, in the Lamshang area, where security forces reportedly seized a significant cache of weaponry, including police arms allegedly looted previously.

Superintendent of Police Imphal East, Shivanand Surve, confirmed the arrests and the seizure of an INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG), alongside three INSAS LMG magazines and fourteen live rounds. The official stated that the origins of the seized weapons are being investigated, and authorities are looking into claims of theft. A brief exchange of gunfire occurred during the operation as the cadres’ associates reportedly opened fire on the security personnel.

Two UNLF-P cadres, identified as Heishnam Thomas Singh from Mayang Imphal Kokchai and Arambam Tomtom Singh from Lamshang Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai, were taken into custody. According to the police, this operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat the activities of the group in the region.

Further Investigation into Arms Trafficking

In the aftermath of the initial arrests, security forces detained two additional cadres alleged to be involved in firing at police. Preliminary questioning revealed their plans to sell the captured weaponry under the direction of a self-styled Lance Corporal identified as Naorem Bijoy, also known as Macha. The apprehended individuals reportedly confessed to their involvement in previous arms sales for monetary gain.

The Superintendent of Police shared insights into the Intelligence-led operation, stating that ongoing investigations have been focusing on the network associated with arms trafficking. The police are looking into the broader implications of these activities on regional security.

Follow-up operations following the arrests prompted a coordination of efforts between various security agencies. The joint teams conducted extensive cordon and search operations targeting an unauthorised UNLF-P camp located in Lamdeng.

Major Weapons Cache Discovered

During the cordon and search operation, security forces uncovered a substantial cache of weaponry, consisting of twenty-nine firearms, including AK-series and M-series rifles, as well as pistols and other types of firearms. This considerable cache indicates the scale of arms and ammunition circulation in the area, raising serious concerns regarding local security dynamics.

On the morning of May 21, 2026, joint security forces extended their search to the vicinity surrounding the camp, leading to the recovery of additional war-related supplies and thirty-nine more weapons. The recovered items included various firearms such as sniper rifles, carbines, shotguns, mortars, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer, and a sizable quantity of explosives, including grenades.

These operations reflect the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the region as they work to address the activities of armed groups. The find signifies the potential risks posed by the proliferation of illegal arms and their associated networks.

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