Pambei-led UNLF clears air on arrest of CCM Pankhei
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 25 2025: The Pambei led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) termed as baseless allegations against Front's Central Committee Member (CCM) Sinam Pankhei alias Somendro of Thangmeiband, who was arrested by Manipur police on the charge of arms smuggling on Tuesday.

According to a UNLF statement issued by director of publicity and propaganda Charairongba Thokchom, the statement issued by Manipur police regarding the arrest of CC member Pankhei was not based on fact but part of the false propaganda.

Four side arms claimed to have recovered by police from Pankhei were approved as per the ground rules of the Peace Monitoring Committee constituted under the Peace Agreement (mutual ceasefire) signed by the party with the governments of India and Manipur.

The arms including two Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, one Sig Sauer 9mm pistol and one Glock 19 pistol were issued for personal security officers of the CC member with the approval of the Peace Monitoring Committee.

Two other arms recovered by police (JD Taurus pistol 7.65mm and Falcon Call 7.62mm) were licensed guns while three other arms (Keltec pistol .32mm, Beretta pistol and FN Browning pistol) were in preparation for submission to armoury of the party.

The last weapon (M-20 Falcon pistol) was not recovered from Pankhei and unrelated with the CC member, the UNLF statement said.

It further said that three individuals Manipur police claimed to have arrested from Babupara on the same day namely Konthoujam Opendro alias Ibomcha, Tokpam Tomcha and Keithellakpam Saratchandra as well as arms recovered from them were unrelated with UNLF in any manner and none of the individuals are member of the party.

The UNLF statement further clarified it also has no connection in any manner with Md Islam Khan alias Atappa of Hayellabuk Mayai Leikai, who was arrested by police and branded as a member of UNLF (Ningol-macha) .

Comment