Security forces in Manipur have launched a major crackdown, arresting five militants and seizing a cache of weapons after a viral video showed armed men playing football. More arrests are expected as investigations continue.
BY PC Bureau
Just hours after the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, state police have arrested five individuals in connection with a viral video that showed armed men openly brandishing sophisticated firearms during a local football match.
The video, widely circulated on YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook, depicted 10-15 individuals, some dressed in camouflage attire and others in football kits, wielding automatic weapons at K. Gamnomphai Village Ground in Saitu Sub-Division, Kangpokpi District. The footage sparked public alarm, raising concerns over growing lawlessness and the presence of militant elements in civilian spaces.
Arrests Under President’s Rule: A Tougher Stance on Law and Order
Football tournament with AK47s in Manipur. Horrible situation..pic.twitter.com/VfOWKfRwJ0
— Frontalforce đŸ‡®đŸ‡³ (@FrontalForce) February 7, 2025
The five arrested suspects have been identified as:
1. Mangtinlen Kipgen @ Baemang (26)
2. Mangtinlen Kipgen (24)
3. Seithenmang Kipgen (28)
4. Lunminsei Kipgen (21)
5. Lunkhogin Kipgen (24)
These arrests mark one of the first major crackdowns under President’s Rule, as security forces move aggressively to restore stability following months of ethnic violence, insurgent activity, and political instability.
The Central Government’s direct intervention has empowered law enforcement agencies to tighten security, dismantle armed networks, and prevent unlawful militant activities in both hill and valley districts.
Weapons Seizure Highlights Escalating Security Threat
On 12.02.2025, Manipur Police arrested 05 (five) persons who were involved in a video getting circulated on various social media like YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook etc. where 10/15 miscreants in camouflage attire and some people in football kit were seen holding sophisticated arms…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) February 13, 2025
In a related development, security forces conducted search and area domination operations in vulnerable border areas, leading to the seizure of a large cache of weapons and explosives from a suspected militant hideout in Aigejang Nepali Kuti (Aigejang Ridges) under New Keithelmanbi Police Station, Kangpokpi District.
Recovered Items Include:
• 01 Modified .303 Sniper Rifle
• 04 Pistols with magazines
• 02 SBBL Guns
• 01 Long-Range Projectile Launcher (Pumpi)
• 02 Long-Range Projectile Launchers (Bomb-type)
• 02 36 Hand Grenades
• 02 Modified Hand Grenades
• 01 36 Hand Grenade Lever
• 01 Baofeng Wireless Set
• 01 UV-10R Wireless Set
• 01 Stun Shell (Normal)
• 01 Cartridge 38mm Anti-Riot
• 10 Rounds of SBBL Ammunition
ALSO READ: Trump greets “good friend” Modi with Tariff Bombshell
Authorities are now investigating the source of these weapons and whether the arrested individuals have ties to insurgent groups. Intelligence officials are also probing the motive behind the armed presence at the football match and its potential links to organized militant factions.
With the deployment of additional paramilitary forces, security agencies are expected to intensify search operations in the coming days. Sources indicate that more arrests and arms recoveries are imminent as part of the broader crackdown under President’s Rule.
This swift and decisive action sends a strong message: the government will not tolerate armed groups operating freely, and efforts to restore peace and stability in Manipur will continue with zero tolerance for illegal arms possession and insurgent threats.
