Security agencies in Manipur have ramped up their investigation into an arms smuggling operation with potential national implications, following the arrest of a senior leader from a Valley-Based Insurgent Group (VBIG). Authorities reported that the network is believed to import foreign-made weapons from Myanmar, distributing them across India through forged documents and registered gun shops.
The investigation gained traction when Manipur Police cracked the case during the last week of June, resulting in the arrest of four individuals, including Sinam Somendro Meitei, also known as ‘Richard.’ He is a self-proclaimed Lieutenant Colonel and Project Secretary of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P).
Richard’s arrest has revealed significant lapses in the ceasefire agreement that the UNLF-P signed with the Manipur government in November 2023. Officials claim that while the group publicly announced a ceasefire, it has not surrendered any weapons or provided the required list of members. Allegations suggest that some of its members continue to engage in extortion and other illegal activities under the pretense of negotiations.
The investigation commenced on June 24 after specific intelligence indicated that a gun-running network was operating in the greater Imphal area. Initial detainment of Lanchenba Nongthombam, the owner of Nongthombam Gun House, revealed he was allegedly selling firearms without proper documentation. His information led authorities to Richard, who is suspected of leading a larger smuggling operation.
Security forces reported that the weapons are reportedly smuggled into India from Myanmar via its porous border, allegedly by UNLF-P cadres. These foreign arms are then sold in various regions of India, facilitated by forged documents aimed at creating a false paper trail. An instance of this illegal operation has already been identified in Punjab, with ongoing investigations into further distribution across other states.
Importing foreign weapons into India violates Section 10 of the Arms Act, which only allows exceptions for sports persons with specific permissions. During raids on Richard’s residence, police recovered four revolvers and pistols made in the U.S., one revolver from Austria, one Indian-made pistol, ammunition intended for foreign weapons, a wireless set, and high-end mobile devices.
Richard has a long criminal history, with his first arrest recorded in 1995 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He was subsequently arrested in 2005 and 2006 for extortion and UAPA violations. In 2006, Meghalaya Police apprehended him in Shillong, and in 2003, he allegedly facilitated the transport of insurgent militants between Guwahati and Bangladesh while handling illicit currency exchanges.
Following his recent arrest, Richard purportedly attempted to invoke his involvement in UNLF-P’s ceasefire dialogues to plead for leniency, but officials remained unfazed due to the severity of the charges against him.
Under the leadership of Kh Pambei, the UNLF-P made history last year as the first Meitei armed group in the Imphal Valley to agree to a ceasefire with the government. However, security agencies have cautioned that the ceasefire might merely be a tactic to evade increasing law enforcement pressure, amidst ongoing allegations of extortion and other unlawful activities by its members.
The group’s request for establishing camps in Kuki-dominated areas has raised alarms regarding the potential escalation of ongoing ethnic tensions, which have already resulted in over 200 fatalities. Despite the ceasefire, reports indicate that in 2024, UNLF-P cadres have continued violent actions, including the looting of arms from security forces and operating freely.
As the investigation unfolds, security agencies are focused on dismantling the entire supply chain of this network to curb the proliferation of foreign arms in India.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipur-police-bust-myanmar-sourced-gun-racket-arrest-exposes-ceasefire-breach-1583763
Category: North East,Featured
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-07-06 16:59:00
