Manipur Arms Smuggling Investigation Uncovers Major Network
Intensified Investigation into Arms Smuggling in Manipur
Imphal, Jul 6: Authorities in Manipur have escalated their investigation into a significant arms smuggling operation that could have nationwide implications, following the capture of a high-ranking member of a Valley-Based Insurgent Group (VBIG). Officials report that this network procures foreign-manufactured weapons from Myanmar and distributes them throughout India using counterfeit documents and registered gun shops as fronts.
The operation was uncovered when local police made a breakthrough in late June, resulting in the arrest of four individuals, including Sinam Somendro Meitei, also known as ‘Richard,’ who holds the title of self-proclaimed Lieutenant Colonel and Project Secretary of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P).
Richard’s apprehension has revealed significant flaws in the ceasefire agreement that the UNLF-P entered into with the Manipur government in November 2023. Authorities claim that while the group publicly declared a ceasefire, it has not surrendered any weapons or provided a roster of its members as stipulated in the agreement. Instead, some members are alleged to be continuing extortion and illicit activities while pretending to engage in peace negotiations.
According to officials, the inquiry commenced on June 24 after receiving credible intelligence regarding a gun-running operation in the greater Imphal region. Police initially detained Lanchenba Nongthombam, the owner of Nongthombam Gun House, who was reportedly selling firearms without the necessary documentation. His information led investigators to Richard, who is suspected of coordinating a broader smuggling operation.
Security personnel indicated that the weapons were smuggled into India from Myanmar through its porous borders, allegedly by UNLF-P members. These foreign-made firearms were then sold across various regions of the country using forged documents to fabricate a false paper trail. One such instance has already been identified in Punjab, with ongoing investigations to trace the distribution of these weapons to other states.
Under Section 10 of the Arms Act, the importation of foreign weapons into India is strictly forbidden, except for athletes with special permissions. Police searches at Richard’s home uncovered four US-made revolvers and pistols, one Austrian-made revolver, one Indian-made pistol, numerous rounds of ammunition for foreign weapons, a wireless communication device, and high-end mobile phones.
Officials noted that Richard has a lengthy criminal history, with his first arrest occurring in 1995 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He faced further arrests in 2005 and 2006 for extortion and violations of the UAPA. In 2006, he was also detained by Meghalaya Police in Shillong. In 2003, Richard allegedly facilitated the movement of insurgent members between Guwahati and Bangladesh and managed illicit currency exchanges involving taka and dollars.
Following his recent arrest, Richard reportedly attempted to leverage his involvement in the UNLF-P’s ceasefire discussions to gain leniency, but officials remained resolute given the gravity of the allegations against him.
Under the leadership of Kh Pambei, the UNLF-P made history last year by becoming the first Meitei armed group in the Imphal Valley to enter into a ceasefire with the government. However, security agencies had cautioned that the group’s ceasefire announcement might be a strategy to evade increasing pressure from law enforcement, especially in light of numerous allegations of extortion and other criminal activities by its members.
The group’s request to establish camps near Kuki-dominated regions has also raised security alarms regarding potential escalations in the ongoing ethnic conflicts in the area, which have already resulted in over 200 fatalities.
Despite the ceasefire, officials assert that incidents in 2024 indicate that UNLF-P members have persisted in violent actions, including the looting of arms from security forces and operating without restraint.
The investigation is ongoing, with security agencies striving to dismantle the entire supply chain of this network and curb the spread of foreign arms within India.