Manipur Security Under Siege: Armed militants loot AK-47s and SLR rifles in Thoubal. The growing trend of arms theft raises serious questions about law enforcement in the conflict-ridden state.
BY PC Bureau
In a daring raid on Thursday night, militants associated with the proscribed Meitei insurgent groups People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-pro) and Socialist Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA) looted a cache of firearms from a police post stationed at a primary school around 15 kilometers from Imphal.
The Kakmayai Primary School, where the latest arms looting occurred, is located in Thoubal district. The school, like many educational institutions in the conflict-torn state, has been repurposed as a security post due to the ongoing violence.
BIG BREAKING🚨
Today 8/ 2/2025 at 8 Pm, PREPAK (pro) & SOREPA a meitei proscribed militant group LOOTED 02 x AK 47 and 06 x SLR rifle from MR/ IRB (Manipur Rifles) police post stationed at Kakmayai Primary School, Thoubal, 15 kms form Imphal.
Events like this are happening… pic.twitter.com/eyjI9cHrLK
— Maj DIGVIJAY SINGH RAWAT, KC (Retd) (@Diggi00007) February 8, 2025
PREPAK (Pro) and SOREPA are banned insurgent factions primarily representing the Meitei ethnic group in Manipur. These militant outfits seek the establishment of an independent Kangleipak, the traditional name for the state. Over the years, they have engaged in a range of violent activities, including attacks on security forces, extortion, and propaganda campaigns aimed at undermining the state’s authority.
ALSO READ: Hamas frees 3 Israeli hostages; images draw widespread condemnation
The assailants reportedly made off with two AK-47 rifles and six Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) belonging to personnel of the Manipur Rifles (MR) and the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB). Despite immediate police efforts, the stolen weapons remain unaccounted for. Authorities have detained several suspects for questioning, but their release is being vehemently demanded by protesters.
🚨 Weapon Looting : Manipur Rifles/ Indian Reserve Battalion🚨
📌 On 08 Feb 25, at 1930 hrs, armed miscreants snatched 08 weapons (🔫 2x AK Rifles, 6x SLRs) from an MR/IRB duty post at Kakmayai, Thoubal.
🔍 PREPAK & SOREPA likely in this brazen act.@Goreunit @700sqkmngari… pic.twitter.com/XJw6J66aou
— Aarya Dixit (@aaryadixit26) February 8, 2025
Late into the night, members of Meira Paibi, a powerful Meitei women’s civil society organization, alongside cadres of PREPAK (pro) and SOREPA, staged protests outside the police station, demanding the unconditional release of those arrested. The situation remained tense as security forces attempted to control the growing unrest.
Rising Trend of Arms Looting in Manipur
The looting of firearms from security forces has become a deeply concerning pattern in Manipur, particularly since violent ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023. Initial instances of weapon theft occurred when insurgents and civilians overran police stations, armories, and security posts.
Despite state and central government efforts to recover the stolen weapons, a significant number remain in the hands of militants. The absence of accountability and stringent countermeasures has emboldened armed groups, who now frequently brandish these looted weapons on social media, undermining public confidence in the state’s law and order machinery.
Imphal (#Manipur): 8/ 2/2025
State Weapons looted again!!#MeiteiTerrorists PREPAK (pro) & SOREPA LOOTED 02 x AK 47 and 06 x SLR rifle from MR/ IRB (Manipur Rifles) police post stationed at Kakmayai Primary School.@LevinaNeythiri@aaryadixit26 @angshuman_ch @FrontalForce https://t.co/2qLV1PfOqA pic.twitter.com/DFzJETUDIX
— G0W€€ (@LhangumL) February 8, 2025
Over the past 23 months, the state has witnessed multiple incidents of arms loot. theft. The impunity with which militants operate has raised questions about the state’s ability to maintain control. The increasing display of stolen weapons on social media by armed groups signals a dangerous erosion of the rule of law. Experts warn that the proliferation of weapons among insurgent groups not only endangers the state’s security but also threatens civilians caught in the crossfire.
The continued looting of weapons and the fearlessness with which militants operate underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive security overhaul in Manipur. The erosion of state authority, coupled with the proliferation of stolen arms, poses a grave threat to peace and stability in the region.
Restoring law and order, ensuring accountability, and reclaiming the confidence of the people are paramount for the state to move toward resolution. The latest incident at Thoubal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain unresolved and the critical need for decisive action.
