Play ground or war zone? Five held in Manipur for displaying ‘sophisticated weapons’ during football match | Imphal News
IMPHAL: The Manipur police have taken five people into custody for allegedly showcasing “sophisticated arms” during a football match in K Gamnomphai Village, situated in Kangpokpi district, as confirmed by officials on Friday.
The authorities acted upon receiving information about the incident that occurred whilst the sporting event was in progress at the village grounds.
The suspects were apprehended following an investigation into the concerning display of arms during what was meant to be a peaceful community sporting event.
“On 12.02.2025, Manipur Police arrested five persons who were, seen in a video on various social media holding sophisticated arms during an ongoing football match at K Gamnomphai Village Ground,” a police officer said.
Around 10-15 troublemakers miscreants were spotted wearing camouflage clothing during the match, according to his statement.
About the video that went viral on social media
A concerning video has emerged from Manipur, depicting a football match where participants, including what seemed to be minors, carried assault rifles whilst playing the sport.
The recording, captured at the Nohjang Kipgen Memorial Playground, showed individuals wearing bright jerseys engaged in a football match whilst openly displaying what looked like automatic weapons.
The event, which drew more than 300 attendees, included cultural showcases and traditional dance performances. The footage revealed young individuals stationed as guards with rifles during these presentations.
The footage was initially posted on YouTube by Nampi Romeo Hansong, while another version was distributed by the Meitei Heritage Society, which expressed alarm about the visible presence of weapons. Their caption read: “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.”
