Five held in Manipur's Kangpokpi for displaying arms during football match

Imphal: The Manipur Police have arrested five persons for allegedly displaying “sophisticated arms” during a recent football match at a village in Kangpokpi district, officials said on Friday.

The incident took place in K Gamnomphai Village in the district when the football was underway, they said.

“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.

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…

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) February 13, 2025

Around 10-15 miscreants were also seen in camouflage attire during the match, he said.

The social media influencer, Nampi Romeo Hansong, deleted the Instagram video which carried the watermark 'Kukiland' and a hashtag in his name. Mr Hansong, who has 11,000 followers, later posted a short video of the football match on Instagram - without the men carrying assault rifles.

Investigation is underway.