A major Manipur firearm arrest took place in Imphal East after police detained a man carrying a .38 pistol and a magazine during a routine patrol. The arrest has further highlighted concerns over the movement of illegal weapons across sensitive pockets of the state. Officials said the action was part of ongoing efforts to reduce the presence of unlicensed firearms that often contribute to local clashes and disturbances.
According to officers from Imphal East, the police team was conducting area domination exercises when they spotted a man behaving suspiciously. When they questioned him, his responses raised doubts. As a result, he was frisked, and officers discovered the .38 pistol concealed inside his clothing. The magazine was also recovered at the spot. The man was immediately taken into custody for further questioning.
Read More: Janajati Development Priority for Tripura Govt: CM Saha
Recovery of pistol and magazine raises security concerns
The seizure of the .38 pistol has brought renewed focus on the circulation of small arms across different districts of Manipur. Police said the arrest shows how easily illegal firearms move across neighbourhoods if not monitored closely. Since Imphal East lies close to several vulnerable entry points often used by miscreants, the district has been under increased observation in recent weeks.
Officials explained that small firearms like the .38 pistol are commonly used in intimidation, extortion and targeted violence. Because of this, even a single recovered weapon carries significant importance. The police team said the recovered pistol will be sent for forensic examination to determine whether it was previously used in any crime. The results may help investigators trace connections to larger networks.
Suspect being questioned for possible links
After the Manipur firearm arrest, investigators began questioning the man to determine how he obtained the weapon and whether he is linked to any militant or criminal group. Police believe that he may have either purchased the pistol illegally or acted as a carrier for someone else. Officials are trying to establish whether the weapon came from within the state or through external routes known for transporting arms.
The suspect’s identity has not been released yet, as the investigation is still at an early stage. Officers said that several teams are now verifying his phone records, financial activities and recent movements. They are also trying to find out whether he had accomplices waiting elsewhere. Police added that more arrests could follow based on the information he provides.
Increased patrolling in sensitive pockets of Imphal East
The arrest took place during reinforced patrolling efforts across Imphal East. In recent months, the district has seen a rise in suspicious movements, prompting authorities to increase surveillance. The police have also stepped up night patrolling, checkpoint checks and verification drives.
According to officials, the increased security measures aim to prevent illegal weapons from reaching volatile zones. They said the recovery in this Manipur firearm arrest case validates their decision to intensify patrols. These checks not only help detect weapons but also deter groups or individuals planning unlawful activities.
Residents of the area said the presence of police patrols has made them feel safer. Many have been cooperating with the authorities by sharing local information and reporting unusual activities. Police said such cooperation is crucial in preventing weapons from circulating freely.
Crackdown part of wider action against illegal arms
The recent recovery is one of several actions taken by Manipur Police to reduce the number of illegal weapons in circulation. In recent months, different districts have reported seizures of pistols, rifles, magazines and ammunition. Officials believe that removing such weapons from public spaces will help reduce the chances of violence and restore peace in sensitive areas.
The state has witnessed prolonged tension, making the control of illegal firearms a critical part of ensuring stability. Police said that the Manipur firearm arrest reflects their commitment to preventing armed elements from operating freely. Officers added that continuous intelligence-based operations will remain a priority.
Next steps in the investigation
The suspect will face legal procedures under the Arms Act. Police said the charges will depend on whether he has prior criminal involvement and how he gained access to the weapon. Investigators are preparing reports on the weapon’s origin and will also try to track whether more weapons are being trafficked through the same route.
Officials said that the case emphasises the need for strong vigilance at local and district levels. They expect more coordinated operations in the coming weeks across both urban and rural pockets of Imphal East.
The arrest of a man in Imphal East with a .38 pistol and magazine marks another important moment in Manipur’s crackdown on illegal weapons. With police intensifying patrols and conducting targeted checks, authorities hope to prevent firearms from reaching trouble-prone areas. As the investigation continues, the case is expected to reveal more about the movement of illegal weapons and the networks behind them.
Read More: Odia Diaspora Showcases Culture and Commerce in US Event