Seized Weapons Reveal Manipur Insurgents Converting Looted Arms into Sniper Rifles

Quick Summary

• Ethnic insurgent groups from Manipur’s Meitei and Kuki communities have reportedly modified weapons, including sniper rifles, which were looted from police armouries in 2023.
• Over 6,000 stolen weapons include .303 rifles, AK assault rifles, INSAS rifles, carbines, grenade launchers, pistols, and improvised firearms like indigenous cannons (“pumpi”).
• modifications enhance the kill range and accuracy of standard firearms. For example:

– A .303 rifle’s effective range increased beyond 500 meters after adding telescopes and adjustments.

• Security forces confiscated modified arms in joint operations across multiple districts:

– June raids recovered 328 weapons from Meitei insurgents in Imphal Valley.
– In July raids recovered another 203 weapons from kuki insurgents in hill districts.

• Hill communities used conventional guerrilla techniques to manufacture deadly improvised weaponry during clashes; methods included using uprooted electric poles to craft indigenous defense systems like makeshift cannons.

Indian opinion Analysis

The alarming trend of weapon modification by ethnic insurgents underscores the deepening severity of inter-community tensions in Manipur. The improvisation demonstrates both desperation and ingenuity-a reflection of the persistent instability since clashes began. While authorities successfully seized significant arms caches through proactive measures involving security forces like Assam Rifles and district police teams, restoring normalcy will require more than a tactical response.

The reliance on adapted weaponry hints at diminishing resources but also reveals capabilities for self-sufficiency among affected groups. This advancement could further exacerbate violence if unchecked while complicating peace-building efforts crucial for sustained harmony between Meitei and Kuki communities.

The state’s preparedness needs bolstering not only along security lines but also through confidence-building measures aimed at addressing root grievances that perpetuate cycles of conflict within these ethnic factions.

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