Security forces in Manipur have launched an intensified investigation into a transnational arms smuggling racket, following the arrest of a senior leader from a Valley-based insurgent group. The operation exposed a wider network suspected of trafficking weapons from Myanmar and distributing them across India using forged documents and registered gun houses.
The case came to light in late June when Manipur Police arrested four individuals, including Sinam Somendro Meitei, also known as ‘Richard,’ a self-styled Lieutenant Colonel and Project Secretary of the proscribed outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P).
Police sources say Richard’s arrest points to troubling inconsistencies in UNLF-P’s engagement with the peace process. Despite signing a ceasefire agreement with the state government in November 2023, the group is yet to surrender arms or provide a list of active members as required. Authorities have also accused some cadres of continuing extortion and other criminal activities under the guise of a truce.
The current probe began after specific intelligence was received on 24 June, indicating the presence of a gun-running syndicate in Imphal. This led to the detention of Lanchenba Nongthombam, owner of Nongthombam Gun House, who allegedly sold weapons without proper records. His confession led police to Richard.
According to officials, UNLF-P cadres were smuggling foreign-made weapons from Myanmar through the porous border and selling them across India. The trail has already reached Punjab, where one such case has been identified, and investigations are underway in other states. Such activities constitute a serious offence under the Arms Act, particularly Section 10, which prohibits the import of foreign arms except under special permission for sportspersons.
Searches at Richard’s residence yielded four US-made pistols, one Austrian revolver, an Indian pistol, dozens of foreign-calibre bullets, a wireless set, and high-end mobile phones.
Richard, police say, has a criminal record spanning nearly three decades. He was first arrested in 1995 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), followed by subsequent arrests in 2005 and 2006 for similar offences. In 2003, he was allegedly involved in moving insurgents between Guwahati and Bangladesh and handling illegal financial transactions in foreign currencies.
Following his recent arrest, Richard reportedly tried to cite his group’s ceasefire pact to avoid legal action. However, police dismissed the claim, given the gravity of the alleged arms network and its potential national implications.
The UNLF-P, led by Kh Pambei, had made history last year by becoming the first Meitei insurgent group in the Imphal Valley to agree to a ceasefire. However, security officials had expressed early scepticism, warning that the move may have been tactical, aimed at avoiding growing pressure from law enforcement.
The UNLF’s request to set up camps near Kuki-dominated areas faced strong opposition from security agencies, who feared it could reignite ethnic tensions that have already claimed more than 200 lives.
Despite the ceasefire's intent to curb violence, several 2024 incidents suggest UNLF-P operatives remain active, even allegedly seizing arms from security forces.
The case came to light in late June when Manipur Police arrested four individuals, including Sinam Somendro Meitei, also known as ‘Richard,’ a self-styled Lieutenant Colonel and Project Secretary of the proscribed outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P).
Police sources say Richard’s arrest points to troubling inconsistencies in UNLF-P’s engagement with the peace process. Despite signing a ceasefire agreement with the state government in November 2023, the group is yet to surrender arms or provide a list of active members as required. Authorities have also accused some cadres of continuing extortion and other criminal activities under the guise of a truce.
The current probe began after specific intelligence was received on 24 June, indicating the presence of a gun-running syndicate in Imphal. This led to the detention of Lanchenba Nongthombam, owner of Nongthombam Gun House, who allegedly sold weapons without proper records. His confession led police to Richard.
According to officials, UNLF-P cadres were smuggling foreign-made weapons from Myanmar through the porous border and selling them across India. The trail has already reached Punjab, where one such case has been identified, and investigations are underway in other states. Such activities constitute a serious offence under the Arms Act, particularly Section 10, which prohibits the import of foreign arms except under special permission for sportspersons.
Searches at Richard’s residence yielded four US-made pistols, one Austrian revolver, an Indian pistol, dozens of foreign-calibre bullets, a wireless set, and high-end mobile phones.
Richard, police say, has a criminal record spanning nearly three decades. He was first arrested in 1995 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), followed by subsequent arrests in 2005 and 2006 for similar offences. In 2003, he was allegedly involved in moving insurgents between Guwahati and Bangladesh and handling illegal financial transactions in foreign currencies.
Following his recent arrest, Richard reportedly tried to cite his group’s ceasefire pact to avoid legal action. However, police dismissed the claim, given the gravity of the alleged arms network and its potential national implications.
The UNLF-P, led by Kh Pambei, had made history last year by becoming the first Meitei insurgent group in the Imphal Valley to agree to a ceasefire. However, security officials had expressed early scepticism, warning that the move may have been tactical, aimed at avoiding growing pressure from law enforcement.
The UNLF’s request to set up camps near Kuki-dominated areas faced strong opposition from security agencies, who feared it could reignite ethnic tensions that have already claimed more than 200 lives.
Despite the ceasefire's intent to curb violence, several 2024 incidents suggest UNLF-P operatives remain active, even allegedly seizing arms from security forces.
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