Major Digvijay Singh Rawat has revealed disturbing details about weapon looting by Meitei militants following the May 2023 ethnic clashes in Manipur. Nearly 8,000 weapons were looted from police stations in Imphal, with little recovery action taken by the local authorities. Rawat, known for his in-depth knowledge of the region, stated that at least 10,000 of these weapons are still circulating in the conflict zone, fueling the violence and challenging efforts to restore law and order in Manipur.
BY PC Bureau
Amid reports of Myanmar-based militant groups attacking Indian army posts along the Indo-Myanmar border, a decorated officer of the Assam Rifles has revealed that these attacks were carried out by Meitei militants who are collaborating with the Myanmar army against Indian forces.
This alarming revelation, shared by Kirti Chakra awardee Major Digvijay Singh Rawat (@Diggi00007), highlights the transnational scope of the ongoing conflict, now extending into Myanmar. Rawat, renowned for his extensive understanding of the Manipur situation, emphasized the seriousness of this development, stating, “Best thing you will see about foreign interference in Manipur – This is a Meitei Militant in Myanmar wearing a Manipur police uniform and working for Myanmar army against Indian army.”
NIA speaking about Arambai wearing police uniform and looting police stations, Arambai carrying looted weapons pic.twitter.com/0EVTNuRc29
— DIGVIJAY SINGH RAWAT (@Diggi00007) January 18, 2025
Additionally, Rawat shared a report about the National Investigation Agency (NIA) detailing the looting of weapons by the Meitei militant group Arambai Tenggol from police stations in Imphal, following the ethnic clashes of May 23, 2023. Major Rawat tagged a news report along with his post on this matter.
It is a well-established fact that nearly 8,000 weapons were looted from these stations over the course of one month, with little action taken by the Manipur police or the state government under Chief Minister Biren Singh to recover them.
Video shared by Indian army pic.twitter.com/3uGA2d3tHt
— DIGVIJAY SINGH RAWAT (@Diggi00007) January 18, 2025
Speaking during a discussion with members of the Kuki-Zo community on Saturday night at SpaceX, Major Rawat claimed that at least 10,000 such weapons are still circulating in Manipur. “How could you have law and order when different militant groups were heavily armed? It’s unfortunate that the state authorities did so little to prevent the looting of weapons or recover them,” he said.
Rawat’s military credentials are exceptional. He has played a pivotal role in gathering intelligence in Manipur, which helped map Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) and carry out successful operations. One notable operation led to the foiling of an attack on a VIP, during which Rawat displayed extraordinary bravery by neutralizing key insurgent leaders during a firefight. His leadership and courage have earned him widespread recognition within the armed forces.
Rawat has also taken aim at separatist Meitei militants who regularly disparage the Indian army. In a post, he responded to one such individual who equated India’s role in Manipur to colonial oppression and fantasized about attacking the Indian forces.
“Happy to expose such people every day who abuse Assam Rifles & Indian Army,” Rawat remarked. He further added, “Don’t worry, it will be an honor for the Indian Army—Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis, Pangals, Nepalis—who will send you to Vietnam where you can fight alongside the Viet Cong, dig tunnels, and learn history.”
NIA speaking about Arambai wearing police uniform and looting police stations, Arambai carrying looted weapons pic.twitter.com/0EVTNuRc29
— DIGVIJAY SINGH RAWAT (@Diggi00007) January 18, 2025
The ethnic conflict in Manipur has escalated dramatically, with over 260 fatalities and more than 60,000 people displaced. In response, the Indian government has deployed thousands of security force personnels to stabilize the region.
Rawat’s posts and insights underscore the complexity of the conflict in Manipur, where deep-seated ethnic, religious, and political divisions persist. His observations also debunk the narrative pushed by the Manipur government under Biren Singh, which claims that external actors, such as Myanmar-based militants, are behind the unrest in the state..
