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Explosives suspected to be meant for Myanmar rebels seized in Mizoram
A team of Assam Rifles and the Mizoram Police seized the explosives in Lawngtlai after they were tipped off about the vehicle carrying them
Security forces have recovered 150 kg explosives, 1800 detonators, and over 3000 metres of detonating cord suspected to be meant for rebels battling the military in neighbouring Myanmar from a vehicle in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, people aware of the matter said on Wednesday.
Lawngtlai residents Siama Thanga, 50, and Amengi, 40, who were arrested for transporting the explosives late on Tuesday, have been booked under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
A team of Assam Rifles and the Mizoram Police seized the explosives after they were tipped off about the vehicle carrying them. “We are interrogating them [Thanga and Amengi] and they will be produced before a court as per the process. We are trying to figure out the links to understand where these explosives were going,” a police officer said.
On Thursday last, an ammunition and explosives racket was busted with the arrest of a person in Mizoram’s Aizawl. Officials said the racket was involved in the trafficking of arms, ammunition, and explosives in the northeastern states as well as across the international border.
Myanmar’s military coup that removed Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from power in February 2021 triggered fresh turmoil in Myanmar. Thousands of people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced as the military has cracked down on protests. Myanmar’s military has maintained it was carrying out a campaign against terrorists.
