Mizoram Police Uncover Significant Arms Cache

Aizawl, Jan 16 (NationPress) In a significant achievement, Mizoram Police have confiscated a considerable cache of arms and ammunition that were being supplied to an insurgent group operating out of Myanmar for the rebel faction in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of southeast Bangladesh, as reported by an official on Thursday.

A senior police official disclosed that a substantial haul of advanced arms and ammunition was seized by Mizoram Police along with allied intelligence agencies from Saithah village in the bordering Mamit District on Wednesday night.

According to initial investigations, the confiscated arms and ammunition were meant for a transaction between the Chin National Front (CNF) from Myanmar, a notable insurgent organization, and the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF-P), another militant group operational in the CHT.

“This operation underscores the transnational nature of illegal arms trading and highlights the persistent threats to regional stability. With this seizure, a significant danger to regional peace and stability has been averted,” the official emphasized.

The official noted that in connection with the arms seizure, five suspects have been apprehended, including a prominent leader of the CNF, marking a crucial success in counter-insurgency efforts in Mizoram.

This operation is considered one of the largest recoveries of arms in Mizoram, sending a strong warning to illegal operators in the area. The confiscated weapons include six AK-47 rifles, 10,050 cartridges for AK-47 rifles, and 13 magazines.

Mizoram Police has filed a case at the West Phaileng Police Station in Mamit District. Ongoing investigations aim to dismantle the arms smuggling network.

The hilly northeastern state of Mizoram shares an unfenced border of 318 km with Bangladesh and 510 km with Myanmar.

In mid-September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at two sites in Aizawl district related to a case involving the recovery of 2,400 kg of explosives, including 1,000 detonators and 4,500 meters of detonating fuse wire, as stated by an official.

During these raids, cash totaling Rs 73,500 and 9,35,500 Myanmar kyats was also seized. Furthermore, incriminating evidence, such as mobile phones and banking documents, was taken from the suspects' premises.

Investigations have indicated that the shipment of explosives was intended for the Myanmar-based CNF, which has been amassing arms, ammunition, and explosives for an armed struggle against the country's military and government.