Mizoram Police Disrupt Cross-Border Militant Supply Network

Security Forces Uncover Militant Supply Route

Aizawl, May 26: Authorities in Mizoram have recently dismantled what appears to be a covert supply network for militants crossing the border. This follows the apprehension of three individuals linked to the Bangladesh-based insurgent group, United People’s Democratic Front-Prasit (UPDF-P), along with the discovery of a significant stockpile of weapons and ammunition in forested regions near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The operation was executed collaboratively by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Mizoram Police CID (Special Branch) on Sunday.

The suspects were caught in Aizawl district while allegedly trying to navigate through Mizoram towards Bangladesh, utilizing remote jungle paths that traverse the Dampa Tiger Reserve area in western Mizoram.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Apon Chakma, Nihar Ranjan Chakma, and Moni Karbari Chakma. They are currently being held at the Sairang Police Station for further questioning.

Following the arrests, security personnel initiated a series of follow-up searches in the dense forests of the Dampa Tiger Reserve corridor in Mamit district.

During the initial recovery operation, authorities discovered a hidden stash containing 1,799 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition, buried deep within a jungle approximately eight kilometers from where the suspects were first detained.

Subsequent operations, informed by the ongoing interrogation of the suspects, led to the discovery of another concealed cache in a forest area about six kilometers from Saithah village, under the jurisdiction of the West Phaileng Police Station. This second cache included two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and an additional 12 rounds of ammunition.

Security officials suspect that these weapons and ammunition were strategically hidden in remote forest locations for future retrieval and covert transport across the international border.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly revealed that a woman named Dr. Preeti Chakma, believed to be residing in Aizawl, had instructed them to locate the hidden supplies and facilitate their transfer into Bangladesh.

A thorough examination of the suspects' belongings uncovered various materials thought to be intended for the transportation and concealment of the arms. These included empty rice sacks, black-and-white polythene sheets, tarpaulin covers, food supplies, biscuits, and other ration items.

Officials involved in the operation suspect that these materials were meant for repackaging the weapons and ammunition, allowing them to be transported discreetly through challenging forest terrain without attracting attention.

Security agencies have indicated that the tactics used in this operation suggest a well-organized underground logistics network operating along the Mizoram-Bangladesh border.

Investigators also believe that insurgent groups based in Bangladesh are increasingly trying to exploit the remote areas of the Dampa Tiger Reserve sector, taking advantage of the difficult terrain and sparse population in the region.