Manipur security forces recover 67 weapons including 27 AK rifles, 4 UNLF militants held
Synopsis
Despite signing a peace deal with the Centre in 2023, UNLF-Pambei cadres were caught allegedly selling looted weapons in Imphal — and their disclosures led security forces to an unauthorised militant camp where 67 firearms, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer, and IEDs were seized. It is one of the largest single-operation arms recoveries in Manipur in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
67 weapons recovered by joint security forces in Manipur over 24 hours ending 21 May 2025 .
Haul includes 27 AK-series rifles , 11 US-made rifles , an RPG-7 launcher , a sniper rifle, and an anti-drone jammer .
Four UNLF-Pambei militants arrested in Imphal West district ; a brief exchange of fire preceded two of the arrests.
Arrested cadres reportedly disclosed they were acting on orders from self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy alias Macha .
UNLF-Pambei had signed a peace agreement with the Centre in 2023 , yet members continue to face arrest over alleged illegal arms trade.
Separate border operation near Moreh yielded an SLR, a 9 mm pistol, four radio sets, and four IEDs , which were destroyed on the spot.
Security forces in Manipur recovered 67 weapons — including 27 AK-series rifles and 11 US-made rifles — along with a large cache of ammunition and explosives during a series of operations conducted over 24 hours ending Thursday, 21 May, officials said. Four hardcore militants belonging to the United National Liberation Front-Pambei (UNLF-Pambei) faction were also arrested in Imphal West district during the crackdown.
How the Operation Unfolded
Acting on credible intelligence about the illegal sale of looted arms in the Lamshang area, Manipur Police launched a special operation on Wednesday at Lamdeng under the Lamshang police station jurisdiction. Two active UNLF-Pambei cadres — Heishnam Thomas Singh, 29, and Arambam Tomtom Singh, 29 — were apprehended, with an INSAS rifle, a Light Machine Gun (LMG), three magazines, and 14 live rounds recovered from them.
While the arrests were being processed, associates of the two militants allegedly opened fire on security personnel, triggering a brief exchange of fire. Subsequently, two more cadres — Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh — allegedly involved in the firing, were also arrested.
Disclosures Lead to Militant Camp
During preliminary interrogation, the four arrested militants reportedly disclosed they had come to sell the seized weapons on the instructions of a self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy alias Macha of the UNLF. They also reportedly admitted involvement in earlier instances of illegal arms sales.
Based on these disclosures, joint forces comprising Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search operation at an unauthorised UNLF camp at Lamdeng, recovering 29 weapons including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols, and other sophisticated firearms.
Second Operation Yields Heavier Arsenal
In a follow-up operation on Thursday, joint security forces recovered 38 additional weapons, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, a sniper rifle, carbines, shotguns, mortars, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer, and a large quantity of explosives and ammunition. This second haul significantly escalated the scale of the breakthrough.
Myanmar Border Recovery and UNLF Peace Deal Context
In a separate operation along the India-Myanmar border, security forces recovered arms and ammunition near Border Pillars No. 72 and 73 under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district. Items seized included a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), a 9 mm pistol with magazine, four radio sets, a radio charger, and four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The IEDs were destroyed on the spot by security personnel.
Notably, the UNLF-Pambei had signed a peace agreement with the Central government in 2023, committing to renounce violence and militant activities. Despite this, members of the outfit have repeatedly been arrested in connection with alleged illegal arms trade and other unlawful activities — raising serious questions about the durability of the ceasefire arrangement. Manipur Police have appealed to the public to report any information about looted or illegally possessed weapons to the nearest police station or security agency.
Point of View
Running unauthorised camps, and allegedly firing on security forces — suggests the agreement has not translated into operational disarmament. The recovery of an anti-drone jammer and an RPG-7 launcher points to a level of tactical sophistication that goes well beyond residual activity. The Centre must now decide whether the peace framework needs enforcement teeth, or whether continued arrests quietly signal that the deal has already hollowed out.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weapons were recovered in the Manipur operation on 21 May 2025?
Security forces recovered a total of 67 weapons over 24 hours ending 21 May 2025, including 27 AK-series rifles, 11 US-made rifles, an RPG-7 launcher, a sniper rifle, carbines, shotguns, mortars, and an anti-drone jammer, along with large quantities of explosives and ammunition.
Who were the militants arrested during the Manipur arms operation?
Four UNLF-Pambei cadres were arrested: Heishnam Thomas Singh and Arambam Tomtom Singh (both 29) in the initial operation, and Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh in a follow-up after an alleged firing incident. They reportedly disclosed acting on orders from self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy alias Macha.
What is the UNLF-Pambei and why is its involvement significant?
The United National Liberation Front-Pambei is a Manipur-based militant outfit that signed a peace agreement with the Central government in 2023, committing to renounce violence. Despite the deal, its members have repeatedly been arrested over alleged illegal arms trade, raising questions about the ceasefire's effectiveness.
What was recovered near the India-Myanmar border in the same operation?
In a separate operation near Border Pillars No. 72 and 73 under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district, security forces recovered a Self-Loading Rifle, a 9 mm pistol with magazine, four radio sets, a radio charger, and four IEDs. The IEDs were destroyed on the spot.
What action has Manipur Police asked the public to take?
Manipur Police have appealed to citizens to immediately share any information regarding looted or illegally possessed weapons with the nearest police station or security agency.
