Vast cache of looted arms still with Manipur militants
by GII Bureau
It is now 22 months after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, but a vast cache of looted arms and ammunition remain in the hands of militant groups. Only a small portion of weapons has been surrendered under pressure from the state government, much of the sophisticated arsenal remains unaccounted for.
On February 20, Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla issued a public appeal urging residents to return stolen and illegally held weapons, calling it a “powerful gesture toward ensuring peace.” However, as the February 27 deadline approached, little had moved in the direction. The deadline was then extended to March 6, warning of severe consequences for non-compliance.
On February 25, 2025, members of the Imphal-based militant group Arambai Tenggol met with the Governor to discuss ways to restore peace in the state. Arambai Tenggol is a Meitei radical group, known for its involvement in the ongoing ethnic conflict and its role in mobilising armed youth during the violence.
Following their meeting, on February 27, the final day of the first deadline, Arambai Tenggol surrendered 246 weapons at the 1st Manipur Rifles (MR) complex in Imphal West. An additional 61 weapons were handed over in various hill and valley areas, bringing the total count to 307.
Since May 3, 2023, militant factions in Imphal have amassed a vast array of stolen arms, including INSAS rifles, AK-47s, Mortars, Carbines, Light machine guns, MP5 rifles, Bulletproof jackets, Hand grenades, Bombs, SLRs, Pistols, GF rifles, .303 rifles, Medium Machine Guns (MMGs), AK assault rifles, M-16s and hundreds of Manipur Police uniforms.
Despite government efforts, only a fraction of these weapons has been recovered – primarily basic firearms. Not a single bulletproof jacket has been returned by Arambai Tenggol. A total of 6,000 arms were looted in Manipur over different periods since May 3, 2023 by “the Meitei militia”.
By the evening of 6 th March 1,044 arms and 14,779 rounds of ammunition were surrendered to security forces. Only 246 weapons were surrendered by Arambai Tenggol, while the rest were surrendered by the general public across various districts of Manipur.
Arambai Tenggol has been named in multiple FIRs filed by the Kuki-Zo community, linking the group to incidents of violence and killings. Since ethnic clashes erupted on May 3, 2023, over 6,500 FIRs have been registered in Manipur, documenting widespread destruction and the use of looted weapons in attacks.
In June 2023, an Intell igence Bureau report revealed that a group had arranged for 500 Manipur Police uniforms, commissioning a tailor in Bishnupur district to stitch them.
In September 2023, Arambai Tenggol militants, dressed in police commando uniforms, attempted to break through security checkpoints and move toward Pallel. The confrontation left 45 people injured, and several Kuki-Zo-owned shops were set on fire. A report on The Caravan also indicated that Manipur Police personnel were seen safeguarding Arambai Tenggol members in Pallel.
With the March 6 deadline for surrendering weapons passed, it remains unclear whether Manipur’s armed groups will comply or whether another extension will follow. This is not the first-time authorities in Manipur have urged people to surrender weapons. Similar appeals have been made in the past, but with limited success.
Former chief minister N. Biren Singh made at least two official requests for the surrender of arms. Local MLAs set up drop boxes in different areas to encourage voluntary surrender. Union home minister Amit Shah also issued a public appeal for people to lay down arms.
Despite these repeated efforts, only a small number of weapons were surrendered, raising concerns about ongoing militarisation and security challenges in the state.
Since the violence erupted in Manipur, more than 250 people have been killed, and over 60,000 have been displaced. The state remains deeply divided, with physical and social barriers separating communities – members of the Kuki-Zo community are unable to enter the capital, Imphal, while Meiteis cannot travel to hill districts.
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