In Manipur, police arrested four members of the UNLF (Pambei) and seized a significant cache of weapons, highlighting ongoing security concerns despite a previous peace agreement.
Four members of the proscribed UNLF (Pambei) were arrested and more than 60 weapons, including assault rifles and an RPG launcher, were recovered in Manipur's Imphal West district, police said on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference, SP Shivakanta Singh said police had received intelligence inputs on Wednesday that arms looted from security forces were being brought to Lamdeng for sale.
Acting on the tip-off, a special team of Manipur Police launched a cordon-and-search operation at an UNLF(P) camp in Lamdeng and arrested two persons, he said.
"During the operation, 29 firearms, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols and ammunition, were recovered," he added.
Singh said associates of the arrested men opened fire on the police team during the operation, triggering a gunfight. Two more cadres were subsequently apprehended.
Following the arrests, joint teams of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF carried out extensive searches at the camp and adjoining areas, leading to the recovery of another 38 weapons, he said.
The seized cache included 11 AK-series rifles, three M-series rifles, a sniper rifle, a carbine, an RPG launcher, anti-drone jammers and explosives, he said.
UNLF (Pambei) had signed a peace agreement with the Centre in 2023. However, members of the outfit have continued to be arrested in connection with alleged illegal arms trade and other anti-social activities.