New Delhi: The Manipur Police have arrested five individuals for allegedly displaying “sophisticated arms” during a football match in Kangpokpi district at K. Gamnomphai Village. The incident took place when the football match was ongoing raising concerns over public safety and security in the region.
A police officer confirmed that on February 12, Manipur Police arrested five persons who were seen in a video on various social media platforms holding sophisticated arms during an ongoing football match at K. Gamnomphai Village Ground.
Authorities have also reported that around 10 to 15 individuals in camouflage attire were spotted at the venue which further intensifies concerns over security in the area. Investigations are currently underway to determine the motive behind the display of weapons and whether there are any links to militant groups operating in the state.
Armed men playing football in #Manipur goes viral
Video of men armed with assault rifles playing football in #Kangpokpi takes X by storm.
Kangpokpi is currently overwhelmed by Kuki insurgent activities and the video is said to be of Kukis. pic.twitter.com/GC9JbUtvxI
— India Strikes YT 🇮🇳 (@IndiaStrikes_) February 6, 2025
Militants arrested in other operations
In a separate operation, five militants affiliated with proscribed insurgent groups were also arrested from three districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, and Thoubal.
Two active members of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) faction were arrested on February 13 from Thangmeiband and Keishampat in Imphal West. Another member of the same group was taken into custody from Khurai Thoudam Leikai in Imphal East. Police revealed that the arrested militants were “directly involved in extortion activities targeting the general public, government officials, hospitals, schools, and petrol pumps.”
Meanwhile, two cadres belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) faction were arrested from Sangaiyumphal in Thoubal district. The security forces have also seized arms and ammunition from their possession which further highlights the ongoing threat posed by insurgent groups in the region.
On 13.02.2025, Manipur Police arrested 02(two) active cadres of KCP (Noyon) organization from Thangmeiband and Keishampat under Imphal-PS, Imphal West District, namely, (i) Kangjam Pradip Singh @ Pari @ Tenoi (38) and (ii) Thokchom Romeshchandra Singh @ Ayangba (33). The arrested… pic.twitter.com/vuCjzzJFd3
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) February 13, 2025
Growing concerns over security
The two incidents have put the spotlight on Manipur’s fragile security situation. While the display of arms at a public sporting event underscores the need for stricter law enforcement, the arrests of militants across multiple districts indicate that insurgent activities remain a challenge.
Authorities are investigating both incidents with efforts focused on dismantling networks that contribute to instability in the state. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain peace in the region.
Manipur’s history of insurgency incidents like these serves as a reminder of how important it is to maintain security and ensure that public spaces remain safe from violence and intimidation.
Manipur Police arrest five for displaying sophisticated arms during a football match while security forces nab militants in separate operations across three districts. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
