Security forces in Manipur have arrested the chief of a newly formed militant group, which has not signed any ceasefire or peace agreement with the government, in connection with arms and drug trafficking across the India-Myanmar border.
The arrested individual has been identified as Paokholen Guite of P Mongjang Village, Churachandpur district, and served as the head of a newly form Kuki – Mizo militant group. He was apprehended from S Munuam.
Confirming the arrest, the Manipur Police issued a press note late Thursday, stating that Guite was involved in trafficking weapons and drugs for non-SOO (Suspension of Operations) organisations in the state, including the United Kuki National Army (UKNA). He was also reportedly engaged in extortion activities. SOO organisations are Kuki armed groups that have signed suspension of operations agreements with the central and state governments, and more than a dozen such groups operate in Manipur.
During the arrest, the police recovered several items from Guite’s possession, including two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62 AK-47 ammunition, 150 rounds of 7.62 SLR/LMG ammunition, Rs. 1 lakh in cash, a bulletproof vest, a four-wheeler, and two mobile phones.
Authorities said the arrest is expected to disrupt the operational capabilities of militants group and curb its cross-border trafficking activities, reinforcing ongoing counter-insurgency and law enforcement efforts in the region.