Manipur: Myanmar national suspected of smuggling arms nabbed

Guwahati: The Assam Rifles has nabbed a Myanmar national from Kachibung village of Chandel district in Manipur for allegedly sneaking into Indian territory without having valid documents.

The 20-year-old individual - Thanglinkap, also known as Kakap from Kolang area of Khampat in Myanmar -  was apprehended on September 9 this year while roaming in a jungle - three kilometers inside the Indian territory.

The arrest came to light only recently, after the Assam Rifles handed over the suspect to the Chandel police for further legal action.

Sources said the individual had no valid documents to justify his presence in India, and a case has been registered against him under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act to facilitate further investigation.

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What makes the arrest of Thanglinkap more significant is his suspected connection to arms smuggling activities.

He is suspected to be a cadre of the Kuki National Army (KNA) and was reportedly conducting reconnaissance for the delivery of a large consignment of arms and ammunition.

The consignment was allegedly being transported from Myanmar through Moreh in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district to be delivered in the restive state’s Churachandpur district.

The suspect has reportedly confessed that several such consignments of weapons have been delivered before in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.

The law enforcement agencies have now reportedly intensified their investigations into the alleged smuggling network and the potential implications for regional and national security.