In Manipur conflict, rise in Myanmar-made weapons

The recovery of a StarLink antenna and router from a militant hideout in Manipur's Imphal East district wasn't the only prohibited item, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar, that Assam Rifles personnel recovered on December 13.

- Prawesh Lama

That afternoon, the forces also recovered an MA 4 assault rifle, manufactured in Myanmar and commonly used by the Myanmar army.

Officials on the ground say they aren't surprised because over the last five to six months, they have been recovering different types of Myanmar-manufactured weapons and other equipment from militants and their hideouts in Manipur. The forces also recovered Myanmar-manufactured bulletproof vests and military fatigues smuggled across the border.

In the last week alone, the forces recovered at least seven pistols marked "Made in Burma", five Myanmar-manufactured Army MA4 rifles and one AK-47.