Top insurgent leader’s shocking arrest exposes arms smuggling plot in Manipur

The conflict in Manipur has taken a new turn as Thongminthang Haokip, known as Roger, a high-ranking member of the Kuki National Front-Military Council, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with a conspiracy to smuggle arms and fuel violence across the northeastern states of India. Haokip’s arrest, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, is part of an extensive operation to curb the rising insurgency in the region, marked by ethnic strife and armed militancy.

Arrest Highlights Transnational Arms Trafficking Network

Haokip’s arrest at Imphal Airport marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle a transnational arms trafficking network operating between India, Myanmar, and other neighbouring countries. The National Investigation Agency stated that Haokip was instrumental in coordinating with Myanmar-based insurgent groups such as the Kuki National Front-B of Myanmar to secure arms, ammunition, and explosives. The agency reported that the insurgents intended to exploit ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur to wage a violent campaign against the Indian government.

The National Investigation Agency uncovered that Haokip had allegedly orchestrated several armed attacks against security forces in various parts of Manipur, meeting with leaders from the Kuki National Front-B to arrange the supply of weapons and explosives. These operations are believed to be part of a broader conspiracy involving various insurgent groups to escalate violence in the region.

Ongoing Crackdown on Insurgency: Multiple Arrests and Seizures

The arrest of Haokip is the latest in a series of significant actions taken by the Indian security forces to combat the rising insurgency. In a coordinated effort by the Central Reserve Police Force, Assam Rifles, and local police, five more suspected militants were apprehended in Hengjol village, Kangpokpi district. The security operation led to the seizure of a significant cache of arms, including AK-series rifles, bulletproof jackets, and live ammunition. The suspects were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

In another operation, two members of the Myanmar-based Chin Kuki Liberation Army were detained in the Churachandpur district. The arrest came after a firefight with the militants, resulting in the seizure of various sophisticated weapons, drugs, and a substantial amount of cash. These arrests reaffirm the presence of a well-coordinated transnational network aimed at destabilising Manipur and its surrounding regions.

Expert Opinion: Complex Dynamics Fueling the Conflict

Security experts suggest that the current situation in Manipur is far more complex than it appears on the surface. The ethnic violence, which has claimed more than 180 lives since May 2024, began as a protest by tribal communities against the demand by the majority Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe status. This demand, viewed as a threat to the rights of the tribal communities, has triggered widespread unrest and provided fertile ground for insurgent groups to thrive. Experts believe that the arms trafficking network operating across the India-Myanmar border is a manifestation of deeper ethnic and political divides.

The insurgency in Manipur is not just about ethnic rivalry but also about transnational organised crime. The flow of arms and drugs across the porous borders is a significant challenge for India’s internal security. Coordinated efforts between India and Myanmar are essential to dismantling these networks and ensuring stability in the region.

A Long Road Ahead for Peace in Manipur

The arrest of Thongminthang Haokip and other militants marks a crucial point in the ongoing battle against insurgency in Manipur. However, with deep-seated ethnic tensions and a complex web of militant networks straddling international borders, the road to peace remains fraught with challenges. The Indian government and its security forces must continue their efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and disrupt the transnational arms trafficking networks that fuel the violence in Manipur.