Imphal, Sep 16: The Assam Rifles have arrested a 20-year-old Myanmar national, Thanglinkap, also known as Kakap, for entering Indian territory illegally. Thanglinkap, from Kolang in Myanmar’s Khampat region, was apprehended on September 9 while in a jungle near Kachibung village in Chandel district, three kilometers inside the Indian border and without proper travel documents.
The arrest, revealed last week after Thanglinkap was handed over to Chandel police, goes beyond mere illegal entry. There are suspicions that he may be involved in arms smuggling. Thanglinkap is believed to be a member of the Kuki National Army (KNA) and is thought to be linked to a smuggling network operating between Myanmar and Manipur. His alleged role involved scouting for a large arms shipment.
The consignment is believed to have been transported from Myanmar through Moreh in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, with Churachandpur district as the intended destination. This network may have previously delivered several arms shipments to Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, which have seen recent unrest.
In response to Thanglinkap’s arrest, security forces are ramping up efforts to dismantle the smuggling network. A case has been filed under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, and investigations are underway. The authorities are hopeful that this case will shed light on smuggling routes and networks that could impact regional stability and fuel insurgency.
Following the arrest, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed his appreciation for the actions taken by the Assam Rifles in arresting the Myanmar national.
