A large cache of arms has been seized in India’s northeastern state of Mizoram, near the Bangladesh border. Mizoram Police claims that the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), a regional organization from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, and Myanmar’s Chin National Front (CNF) are involved in this arms smuggling operation.
A senior Mizoram police officer told India’s state news agency, Press Trust of India (PTI), that on Wednesday, a major cache of arms was confiscated near Saitah village in Mizoram’s Mamit district, close to the Bangladesh border.
Police reported that on Wednesday, at least five individuals, including a leader of Myanmar-based rebel group Chin National Front (CNF), were arrested in Mamit district in western Mizoram.
In a joint operation conducted with Indian intelligence agencies, Mizoram police recovered six AK-47 rifles, 10,050 cartridges, and 13 magazines from an area near Saitah village under the jurisdiction of West Phaileng Police Station. The police called it one of the largest arms seizures in Mizoram’s history, stating that it averted a severe threat to regional peace and stability.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the seized arms and ammunition were part of a smuggling plan between the active UPDF from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts and Myanmar’s Chin National Front, according to the police statement.
Mizoram Police also claimed that the arrest of the Chin National Front leader marked a significant achievement in the state’s counter-insurgency operations.
“This is the largest arms seizure in Mizoram to date. It sends a strong warning to illegal groups operating in the region. This incident highlights the grave threat posed by international arms trafficking to regional stability and security,” a senior police officer said.
Mizoram Police has registered a case at the West Phaileng Police Station and stated that investigations are ongoing. Efforts are being made to dismantle the arms sm