Manipur illegal arms trade has once again come under the spotlight after security forces arrested two women allegedly involved in the unlawful sale and transportation of weapons. During the operation, police recovered a live hand grenade, highlighting the continuing challenge of curbing illegal arms circulation in the conflict-affected state.
The arrests form part of Manipur Police’s ongoing drive against illegal weapons, insurgent networks, and criminal activities that have persisted since ethnic violence erupted in the state. Officials said investigations are underway to determine whether the accused have links with larger arms trafficking networks operating within or outside Manipur.
Manipur illegal arms trade: What happened?
According to police, two women were apprehended during a targeted operation based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the suspected movement and sale of illegal weapons. During the search, security personnel recovered one live hand grenade from their possession.
Authorities suspect the accused were engaged in the illegal arms trade, although investigators are still examining the source of the explosive and whether additional individuals are involved in the network.
The women have been taken into custody, and a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the law. Police have begun questioning them to identify possible suppliers, buyers, and associates connected to the alleged operation.
Investigation focuses on wider arms network
Officials believe the seizure could provide crucial leads in dismantling illegal arms supply chains operating across the state. Investigators are working to establish how the hand grenade reached the accused and whether similar explosives or firearms have already been distributed.
The police are also examining digital evidence, communication records, and other materials recovered during the operation to determine if the suspects maintained contact with insurgent groups or organised criminal networks.
Security agencies have repeatedly stressed that disrupting illegal arms circulation remains a priority as such weapons continue to pose serious risks to public safety and law enforcement personnel.
Continued crackdown on illegal weapons in Manipur
The latest arrests come amid intensified security operations across Manipur aimed at recovering illegally held weapons and explosives.
Over the past several weeks, joint teams of the Manipur Police, central security forces, and other agencies have carried out multiple intelligence-based search operations across vulnerable districts.
These operations have resulted in the recovery of rifles, pistols, ammunition, grenades, and other war-like stores from different locations. Security officials say the campaign is intended to reduce the availability of illegal arms and restore normalcy across the state.
Security agencies intensify surveillance
Authorities have increased surveillance in sensitive districts, strengthened vehicle checks, and expanded intelligence gathering to prevent the movement of illegal weapons.
Police officials have urged residents to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities or information related to illegal arms possession and trafficking.
The ongoing enforcement campaign includes coordinated search operations, area domination exercises, and targeted raids based on intelligence inputs. Officials believe sustained operations are essential to weakening criminal and insurgent support networks that rely on illegal weapons.
Recent arms recovery operations
The arrest of the two women is part of a broader series of enforcement actions undertaken in recent weeks.
Security personnel recently recovered multiple firearms, including modified rifles, pistols, cartridges, and Chinese hand grenades during search operations in Imphal West district. In separate operations, several suspected militants were arrested, and additional explosives and ammunition were seized.
Police have stated that every recovery strengthens ongoing investigations into illegal arms procurement and distribution while helping identify individuals responsible for trafficking weapons across different districts.
Why illegal arms remain a major concern
Manipur has witnessed persistent security challenges since ethnic unrest began in 2023. Large quantities of weapons entered illegal circulation during the violence, making arms recovery one of the government’s highest security priorities.
Law enforcement agencies continue to conduct coordinated operations to recover these weapons and prevent their use in criminal activities, extortion, and violent incidents. Experts believe dismantling trafficking networks is essential for improving law and order and supporting long-term peace efforts in the state.
The latest arrests underscore the determination of security agencies to act against those allegedly involved in the illegal arms trade. As the investigation progresses, police are expected to pursue additional leads to uncover the broader network behind the seized hand grenade and any other illegally circulated weapons. Authorities have reiterated that strict action will continue against individuals found participating in arms trafficking or assisting such activities, as efforts to restore peace and public safety across Manipur remain ongoing.