A massive arms haul in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district reveals the deadly consequences of unchecked smuggling routes from Myanmar. With over 260 lives lost and thousands displaced, the escalating violence between Meitei and Kuki communities underscores the urgent need for peace and stability in the region. This report delves into the origins of illegal arms, their impact on regional security, and the government’s measures to curb the crisis.
Combined security forces of Army, BSF, CRPF and State Police have conducted a massive combing and search operations since 28.12.2024 in the following areas of Sabungkhok Khunou, Shantikhongbal, Thamnapokpi, Sanasabi, Uyok Ching and Natum Ching areas bordering Thamnapokpi and… pic.twitter.com/mOrKdLrDfF
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) December 30, 2024
BY PC bureau
In a crackdown on suspected Kuki-Zo militants, security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, and other combat materials in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday.
Kangpokpi, a Kuki-Zo community stronghold, has been a center for the group’s activities and demonstrations, particularly in their pursuit of a separate administrative structure. In October 2024, Kuki-Zo women organized protests to block Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s entry into the district, showcasing their strong opposition to his policies and demands for autonomy.
Our brothers in CoTU tell us to tell everyone that our volunteers are simple people with simple guns. We common Kukis are hostages to fake Burmese Any Kuki Tribes like these infiltrators from Burma. See for yourself who our volunteers really are. Indian Army should rescue us pic.twitter.com/IK0eud42JG
— Ng John Kipgen (@tipofthespearx) December 29, 2024
Earlier, in August 2024, the Kuki-Zo community held rallies in Kangpokpi and other areas, reiterating their call for a separate administration.
The weapons were discovered during a joint operation by the Manipur police and Assam Rifles targeting hideouts of armed miscreants. Acting on intelligence inputs regarding potential attacks on rival groups, the team launched a search operation in the hill ranges near L Jangnomphai and Freedom villages. Upon the approach of security forces, the armed miscreants fled, abandoning their weapons.
The recovered items included:
BREAKING: The heavily fortified bunkers of #Christian #Kukimilitants—who relentlessly fired on innocent #Meitei civilians—have been stormed and captured by state & central forces, including @crpfindia & @BSF_India .
Justice is being served, and terror is being crushed. 💥🔥… pic.twitter.com/3iYdpiudo2
— Deepika92 (@LaishramDeepika) December 30, 2024
• A 7.62 mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR)
• A 9 mm pistol
• Single-barrel and double-barrel guns
• An improvised mortar
• Four 36-hand grenades
• Four Stardyne 90 explosives
• Four electric detonators
• Eight live rounds of ammunition
• A tube launcher
• A walkie-talkie set
• Three grenade detonators
• Four anti-riot shells.
Proliferation of Illegal Arms in Manipur
The presence of illegal arms has significantly aggravated ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. A substantial portion of these arms is smuggled into India via Myanmar, complicating peace efforts and escalating violence.
Sources and Smuggling Routes
Intelligence reports highlight that most weapons are smuggled through Myanmar. These arms often originate from black markets near the Myanmar-China border and enter Manipur through the porous Indo-Myanmar boundary. Established networks facilitate the transport and distribution of these weapons, often financed through clandestine hawala channels. Both Manipur and Mizoram have been identified as major destinations for these smuggled arms.
Estimated Stock of Illegal Arms
While exact figures are challenging to ascertain, estimates suggest that:
• Around 1,500 illegally imported weapons are present in Meitei-dominated valley areas.
• Approximately 2,000 are in the hill regions predominantly inhabited by Kukis.
• These numbers are in addition to about 5,000 government-issued weapons looted earlier in the conflict, of which 3,000 have been recovered.
Impact on Regional Stability
The influx of sophisticated weaponry, including rocket launchers and assault rifles, has intensified violence, resulting in over 260 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people since May 2023. The escalating violence has hindered peacekeeping efforts by security forces.
Government Response
To address the rising violence, the Indian government has significantly increased its security presence, deploying nearly 67,000 soldiers and 30,000 police personnel in the region. Measures to combat arms smuggling include enhanced border surveillance and operations targeting smuggling networks. Despite these efforts, challenges persist due to the region’s complex terrain and the insurgents’ organizational capabilities.
Conclusion
The illegal arms trade in Manipur, driven by smuggling routes from Myanmar and clandestine financial operations, poses a severe threat to regional stability. Resolving this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening border security, dismantling smuggling networks, and fostering dialogue among conflicting communities to achieve lasting peace.
