5 arrested for displaying 'sophisticated weapons' during football match in Manipur

The players flaunting the weapons in the viral video are relatively young, which has sparked more concerns among the netizens. (Courtesy: X | @meiteiheritage)

The Manipur Police have arrested five people for allegedly displaying 'sophisticated arms' during a football match in Manipur's K Gamnomphai village.

The arrests, which were made on Friday, followed an investigation into the incident which came to light as the community event was underway in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.

The police officials registered a report and started investigating after a video went viral on social media showing participants, some wearing camouflage and others in football kits, holding assault rifles. The footage raised concerns due to the blatant display of firearms at what was supposed to be a peaceful sporting event.

"Five persons were detained who were involved in a video that circulated widely on platforms like X, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The video showed 10-15 individuals in camouflage attire, as well as those in football kits, carrying sophisticated arms at K Gamnomphai village ground, Kangpokpi district," the Manipur Police posted on X (formerly Twitter).

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

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Manipur Police (@manipur_police) February 13, 2025

The five individuals taken into custody have been identified as Mangtinlen Kipgen, alias Baemang (26), Mangtinlen Kipgen (24), Seithenmang Kipgen (28), Lunminsei Kipgen (21), and Lunkhogin Kipgen (24).

The players flaunting the weapons in the viral video are relatively young, which has sparked more concerns among the netizens. The video, recorded at the Nohjang Kipgen Memorial Playground, also captured the presence of individuals stationed as guards with rifles during cultural performances and traditional dance presentations.

The footage, initially posted on YouTube by Nampi Romeo Hansong, was later shared by the Meitei Heritage Society. In the post, they voiced alarm over the display of weapons, questioning whether the event was truly a football tournament or a gathering of Kuki militants. 

This video of a football tournament in Manipur has gone viral on social media. What is deeply disturbing is the open display of sophisticated weapons by the so called footballers. Or is it a football tournament of Kuki Militants? We urge the authorities to investigate this pic.twitter.com/3IC5uY9BkH Meitei Heritage Society (@meiteiheritage) February 6, 2025

"This video of a football tournament in Manipur has gone viral on social media. What is deeply disturbing is the open display of sophisticated weapons by the so-called footballers. Or is it a football tournament of Kuki militants? We urge the authorities to investigate this open display of assault rifles," the caption read.