New Delhi: In a major operation against cross-border arms smuggling, the Assam Rifles have seized a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores from Saikhumphai in Mizoram’s Champhai district, near the India–Myanmar border. The operation, carried out on October 24, marks a significant blow to the illegal arms trafficking network operating along the sensitive frontier.
Large Cache of Arms and Ammunition Seized
Based on intelligence inputs regarding suspicious activity in the area, Assam Rifles personnel launched a swift operation leading to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons. The seized items include six 60mm mortar tubes (with base plates), two Myanmar-made 7.62mm assault rifles, three shotguns, two .22 rifles, one grenade, 40 live 7.62mm rounds, 15 rounds of 60mm mortars, two landmines, two radio sets, and one charger.
All recovered arms and ammunition were carefully secured and handed over to the local police for further investigation and forensic examination.
Possible Cross-Border Trafficking from Myanmar
Officials suspect that the weapons were smuggled into India through illegal routes along the Myanmar border, taking advantage of the region’s difficult terrain and porous boundaries. The Saikhumphai area, located close to the border, has long been identified as a hotspot for arms and narcotics trafficking. Following this seizure, security forces have intensified patrolling and surveillance operations along the international boundary.
A senior Assam Rifles officer stated,
“We remain vigilant against any attempt to compromise India’s internal security. The force is fully committed to curbing cross-border smuggling and maintaining peace in the region.”
Public Applauds Security Forces
Local residents have lauded the joint efforts of Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police, expressing relief that such decisive action is being taken to ensure safety in border communities. The recovered arms are now under detailed forensic analysis, and security agencies believe the findings could help expose the wider network of smugglers operating across the Indo-Myanmar corridor.
This successful operation highlights the vigilance and coordination of India’s security apparatus in countering threats emanating from across the border, paving the way toward long-term peace and stability in the Northeast.
