Rangamati, Jan 23, (V7N) - Tribal militants from the border areas are reportedly collecting heavy weapons and ammunition to destabilize the hills, with a recent incident in Mizoram shedding light on their ongoing efforts. Five members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), an anti-peace accord group, were arrested by law enforcement while attempting to acquire arms in Mizoram. After their arrest, the UPDF tried to downplay the situation by issuing a press release, claiming that the arrested individuals were not their operatives.

One of the arrested militants, Samaj Priyo Chakma, a key commander and arms supplier for UPDF, was detained in Mizoram’s Amtali subdivision. He was found in possession of a 9mm pistol, three rounds of live ammunition, and cash—25,000 Bangladeshi Taka and 2.21 lakh Indian Rupees. Chakma, a resident of Khagrachari, had reportedly gone to India five months ago, according to local law enforcement.

Earlier, a joint operation between Indian intelligence agencies and state police in Mamit district resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of six AK-47 rifles, 10,050 cartridges, and 13 magazines. This weapon haul is considered one of the largest ever seized in Mizoram. Authorities revealed that the arms and ammunition were meant for the UPDF's operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.

A border source indicated that UPDF militants are leveraging the current political instability to increase their military stockpiles. Since the fall of the previous government, at least 20 active UPDF commanders have crossed into India, including regions like Mizoram and Tripura, to procure arms. UPDF is also collaborating with the Kuki National Front (KNF) for joint military purchases from separatist groups in Mizoram.

The UPDF is known to have three primary military companies: the Jaguar Company (Khagrachhari), Dragon Company (Rangamati), and Eagle Company (Baghaichhari). These factions are reportedly armed with advanced and heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers, M-16s, AK-47s, and other sophisticated firearms.

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