Manipur Police arrested two alleged members of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol (AT) for their suspected role in illegal arms trafficking. The arrests, made in Imphal West district on Saturday, uncovered a staggering haul of 11 sophisticated firearms, raising alarms about the proliferation of illegal weapons in the violence-torn state. The operation marks a significant step in curbing unlawful activities amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.

The arrested individuals, identified as Laishram Tondomba Singh (27) and Tourangbam Amarjit Meitei (20), both from Lamding Mamang Leikai in Thoubal district, were allegedly caught with an arsenal intended for trafficking and "prejudicial activities," according to a police statement. The seized weapons included seven HK33 rifles, two M4A1 carbines, two .45 pistols, 40 empty magazines of various types, and 100 rounds of .45 calibre ammunition. The duo was produced before a local court, which remanded them to nine days of police custody for further investigation.

Arambai Tenggol, in a statement issued on Monday, distanced itself from the arrests, claiming the actions of Singh and Meitei were "personal" and unrelated to the group’s activities. However, the organization has faced accusations from Kuki groups of fueling ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023. The conflict, primarily between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hills-based Kukis, has intensified concerns about illegal arms circulation.

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This is not the first time Arambai Tenggol has been in the spotlight. In February, following appeals from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to disarm, the group surrendered over 240 firearms to law enforcement. The latest arrests underscore the challenges authorities face in tackling arms trafficking in a region grappling with unrest. Police are now investigating potential links between the seized weapons and other trafficking networks, as well as their possible role in escalating local violence.

Manipur Police have vowed to intensify efforts to curb illegal arms and restore peace. “Such operations send a strong message to those undermining law and order,” a senior officer said. Authorities are urging residents to report suspicious activities as they work to stabilize the region amidst ongoing ethnic strife.

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