Imphal: The Manipur Police have arrested five persons for allegedly displaying “sophisticated arms” during a recent football match at a village in the state’s Kangpokpi district.
“Manipur Police arrested 05 (five) persons who were involved in a video getting circulated on various social media like YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook etc. where 10/15 miscreants in camouflage attire and some people in football kit were seen holding sophisticated arms at K. Gamnomphai Village Ground during an ongoing football match at K. Gamnomphai Village, Saitu Sub-Division under G Saparmeina-PS, Kangpokpi District,” Manipur police posted on X.
On 12.02.2025, Manipur Police arrested 05 (five) persons who were involved in a video getting circulated on various social media like YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook etc. where 10/15 miscreants in camouflage attire and some people in football kit were seen holding sophisticated arms…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) February 13, 2025
Dressed in fluorescent green jerseys and black shorts, the men were seen holding firearms on the football field.
The football match was played at Nohjang Kipgen Memorial Playground as part of an event that also included various cultural performances and traditional dances. More than 300 people attended the event.
In the video, the football players were reportedly seen carrying AK and American-origin M-series assault rifles. Some of the guns had red ribbons tied around the barrel.
Later, the Meitei Heritage Society posted the footage on the social media platform X on February 6, urging authorities to investigate the incident.
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The arrested persons have been identified as Mangtinlen Kipgen @ Baemang (26), Mangtinlen Kipgen (24), Seithenmang Kipgen (28), Lunminsei Kipgen (21) and Lunkhogin Kipgen (24).
The investigation into the case is underway.
