Manipur Insurgents Modifying Looted Arms into Sniper Rifles, Officials Say
Security officials in Manipur report a dangerous escalation in the ongoing ethnic conflict, with insurgent groups from both Meitei and Kuki communities modifying looted police weapons into makeshift sniper rifles. By adding specialized telescopes and altering gun butts, they are increasing the range and lethality of standard .303 and assault rifles, enabling long-distance attacks. This development indicates a tactical shift in the conflict. Security forces have recently recovered hundreds of such modified weapons in raids across the state's valley and hill districts.
Unpacked:
The conflict has roots going back over 200 years and largely revolves around disputes over land, political power, and identity. The Meiteis, mainly Hindu, dominate the Imphal Valley, while the Kukis and Nagas, mostly Christian, inhabit the hills. Tensions escalated recently over the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which Kukis and Nagas oppose, fearing loss of land and political influence.
Insurgent groups have managed to loot weapons during outbreaks of violence and attacks on police stations. Weaknesses in law enforcement, lack of secure storage, and the chaos of ongoing ethnic clashes have enabled such groups to obtain and subsequently modify standard-issue arms, increasing the threat level and complicating security operations.
The main concerns are increased lethality and range, enabling militants to carry out targeted, long-distance attacks that are harder to prevent and defend against. This tactical shift escalates risks for both security personnel and civilians, making the conflict more unpredictable and dangerous.
The central government has deployed additional security forces, conducted weapon recovery raids, and imposed curfews and internet shutdowns in affected areas. However, critics argue that government responses have not adequately addressed root causes—such as political grievances, mistrust, and governance deficits—allowing violence to persist.