CNF leader among 5 held for arms smuggling

Silchar, Jan 16
At least five suspected members, including a leader, of the Myanmar-based insurgent group Chin National Front (CNF), were arrested on Wednesday for illegally transporting weapons from across the border to Bangladesh through North Eastern India, police said.
In a joint operation with an intelligence agency, Mizoram Police raided areas on the outskirts of Saithah village, under the jurisdiction of West Phaileng Police Station in Mizoram’s Mamit district. The raid targeted a deal between two major insurgent groups from Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to an officer.
During the operation, authorities recovered 6 AK-47 rifles, 10,050 rounds of AK ammunition, and 13 magazines.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the seized arms and ammunition were intended for trade between the CNF of Myanmar and the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-P), an insurgent group active in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh,” the officer said.
One of the arrested suspects is a prominent leader of the CNF, the officer added.
“This is one of the largest arms recoveries in Mizoram, sending a strong warning to illegal operators in the region. It also underscores the transnational nature of illegal arms trafficking and highlights ongoing threats to regional stability,” a Mizoram police officer said.
A case has been registered at West Phaileng Police Station in Mamit district, and investigations are ongoing. Efforts are being made to dismantle the arms smuggling network, police said.
In mid-September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at two locations in Mizoram's Aizawl district in a case pertaining to the recovery of 2,400 kg of explosives including 1,000 detonators and 4,500 metres of detonating fuse wire, an official said.
Cash amounting to Rs 73,500 and 9,35,500 Myanmar kyats were also seized. During the searches, incriminating material, including mobile phones, and bank documents were seized from the premises of the suspects.
Investigations have revealed that the consignment of explosives was meant for the Myanmar-based outfit, CNF which has been accumulating arms, ammunition and explosives for armed struggle against the country's military and Government. Hindustan Times