Manipur Security Forces Uncover Major Arms Cache, Arrest Insurgents
Significant Arms Seizure in Manipur
In a recent operation in the Lamdeng region of Imphal, security forces in Manipur successfully confiscated a substantial stockpile of arms and ammunition, apprehending four individuals linked to the United National Liberation Front (Pambei).
The operation commenced on Wednesday following intelligence reports indicating attempts to sell stolen weapons in the vicinity.
During the initial phase, two members of the UNLF(P), identified as Heisnam Thomas Singh and Arambam Tomtom Singh, were detained. Authorities recovered an InSAS light machine gun, along with three magazines and 14 live rounds from their possession.
Today 20.05.2026, Manipur Police arrested two cadres of UNLF (P) from Lamdeng, Imphal West, namely, 1. Arambam Tomtom (29) R/O Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai, Lamsang, Imphal West, and 2. Heisnam Thomas R/O Mayang Imphal Kokchai.
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 20, 2026
From their possession, one InSAS LMG with three… pic.twitter.com/KiZuEW3fdk
As the arrest process unfolded, alleged accomplices opened fire on the security personnel, resulting in a brief exchange of gunfire.
Subsequently, two additional suspects, Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh, were arrested in connection with the shooting incident.
During questioning, the detainees reportedly revealed that they were in the area to sell the weapons under the direction of UNLF(P) leader Naorem Bijoy, and admitted to previous involvement in arms trafficking.
Following this, a coordinated search operation was executed by a team from the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force at a camp associated with the insurgent group in Lamdeng. This operation led to the recovery of 29 firearms, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, and pistols.
On the following day, security forces discovered an additional 38 weapons, which included rifles, carbines, mortars, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer, and a significant quantity of explosives.
It is important to note that ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in Manipur in May 2023, resulting in over 260 fatalities and displacing more than 59,000 individuals. Violence has sporadically increased in the years 2024 and 2025.