Attempt to smuggle arms into India: BSF seizes 28 rifles, 7894 ammunition meant for northeast insurgent groups

IANS photo

AIZAWL: In one of the biggest seizures of arms and ammunition in northeast in recent years, the Border Security Forces (BSF) arrested three arms smugglers in West Phaileng, Mizoram. The force also seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. 

The arms were found hidden in cavities in two pickup-vehicles, and included 28 AK Series rifles, 1 AK 74, one 0.30 inch Carbine, 28 magazines, 7894 ammunition and 2 khukhri. 

According to the force, this was an 'attempt by anti-national elements to smuggle arms and ammunition into Indian territory'.

The BSF said that they received reliable information about the infiltration attempt from a source and accordingly launched an operation.

A team of personnel from 90 Battalion BSF, based in Mamit district laid an ambush on the route that was being taken by the anti-national elements. The forces learned that they were bringing in AK series Rifles along with a lot of ammunition for some insurgent groups.

In the late hours, two vehicles were spotted approaching from West Phaileng, which were intercepted and taken into control by the alert BSF party, who then also detained three occupant passengers. 

The two vehicle and three arms smugglers were then handed over to Phaileng Police Station. 

The alert BSF troops were able to foil the design of anti-national elements to supply arms and ammunition and create disturbances in Mizoram. This is one of the biggest seizures of arms and mmmunition in northeast in the past several years.