truth behind the ‘arms seized in Manipur’ footage

On May 14, 2025, Indian security forces conducted a significant operation in Chandel District, Manipur. They killed ten militants and seized a large amount of arms and ammunition, including AK-47s, an M4 rifle, and other military supplies. Soon after, social media was filled with a video that claimed to show the Indian Army’s find. The video featured piles of weapons, stacks of cash, and armed men standing guard. It quickly went viral, getting millions of views and sparking debates and anger across the country.

It is important to clarify that this video is not from Manipur or India; it actually originates from Myanmar. Let’s break the silence and expose the truth behind the ‘arms seized in Manipur’ footage.

Origins of the Viral Video: Where Did It Really Come From?

Multiple fact-checks and image searches conducted by Team NDA Study reveal that the viral video comes from Myanmar, not Manipur. The video (Footage) shows weapons and cash taken by the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), a group fighting Myanmar’s military government. This footage first appeared in April 2025, after the BNRA captured a Myanmar Army base in Falam, Chin State, following months of heavy fighting.

Key evidence includes:

  • Uniform Markings: Individuals in the video are seen wearing uniforms labelled ‘BNRA’—an organisation that is not active in India but operates in Myanmar.
  • Currency: The cash displayed is not Indian rupees but Myanmar’s currency.
  • Timeline: The video was shared on social media and news websites in Myanmar in mid-April 2025, just weeks before the Manipur operation.

How Did It Go Viral in India?

The video started circulating in India shortly after the actual Manipur encounter. Social media users, some known for spreading misinformation, shared the clip with captions claiming it showed the Indian Army’s success against militants in Manipur. The video’s timing, paired with reports of a successful arms seizure in Manipur, made the misinformation particularly convincing and believable.

What Actually Happened in Manipur?

While the viral video is fake in the Indian context, the Manipur operation itself was very real. On May 14, 2025, Indian security forces, acting on intelligence, engaged with insurgents near the Indo-Myanmar border. The operation resulted in numerous significant outcomes:

The truth behind the ‘arms seized in Manipur’ footage
  • Ten militants killed
  • Seizure of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including seven AK-47 rifles, one M4 rifle, one RPG launcher, four single-barrel breech-loading rifles, and additional military supplies.

The visuals of this recovery are very different from the viral footage from Myanmar. Fact-checkers looked at official images from the Manipur operation and compared them to the viral video. They found that the weapons, cash, and personnel in the two videos did not match.

The Impact of Misinformation: Why Fake News Matters

Misinformation like this viral video can have serious consequences:

  • Public Perception: It influences how people perceive the conflict in Manipur and the role of the Indian Army, often resulting in misplaced outrage or misguided pride.
  • Communal Tensions: In a sensitive region like Manipur, misinformation can escalate existing ethnic and political tensions, risking further violence.
  • Operational Security: False claims can weaken genuine security efforts, divert attention away from authorities, and even put lives at risk.

Lessons for NDA Aspirants: Information Warfare in the Digital Age

For future officers preparing for the NDA exam, this incident serves as a clear example of modern information warfare.

  • Verification is Critical: Always verify information, especially viral content, by checking it against credible sources.
  • Understand the Battlefield: Today’s battles are fought not only with guns, but also with information. Misinformation can be as harmful as enemy fire.
  • Lead with Integrity: As future leaders, NDA aspirants must value truth and resist the temptation to spread unverified claims.

How to Spot Fake News: A Quick Guide

truth behind the ‘arms seized in Manipur’ footage [Credit – AFP]
  1. Check the Source: Is the video or image from a credible news outlet or an unknown social media account?
  2. Look for Inconsistencies: Uniforms, currency, language, and background details can indicate if footage originates from a different country or context.
  3. Use Reverse Image Search: Tools like Google Lens can help you find where a video or image came from.
  4. Cross-Reference News Reports: Major incidents will be reported by multiple credible sources. Verify details before believing or sharing.
  5. Beware of Emotional Language: Posts that use too many exclamation marks, all caps, or urgent calls to action often aim to manipulate rather than inform.

Also Read:

Why Truth Matters—Especially for Future Officers

The viral video titled “Arms Seized in Manipur” serves as a powerful reminder of how fake news can influence perceptions, escalate conflicts, and erode trust in institutions. For those aspiring to leadership positions, particularly within the NDA, the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood is both a skill and a responsibility. In an age where information spreads rapidly, the real challenge is uncovering the truth. Stay alert, stay informed, and always verify information before sharing it.

Key Takeaways for NDA Exam Current Affairs

  • The real Manipur operation (May 14, 2025) was a significant counter-insurgency success, but the viral video linked to it is from Myanmar, not India.
  • Misinformation can have real-world consequences, especially in conflict zones.
  • Future officers must master the art of information verification as part of their leadership toolkit.
How to Stay Ahead: Best Practices for NDA Aspirants

1. Regularly follow official defence and government sources for updates.
2. Use fact-checking platforms to verify viral claims.
3. Develop critical thinking and digital literacy—these are as vital as physical and tactical skills in today’s armed forces.

Remember: In the age of viral misinformation, the truth is your greatest weapon. Use it wisely.

Author’s Words: Conclusion

The spread of misinformation, like the viral ‘Arms Seized in Manipur’ video, can distort facts and undermine our security forces. For NDA aspirants, the key lesson is clear: truth and vigilance are essential in both digital and real-world scenarios. At NDA Study, we focus on equipping you with knowledge and critical thinking skills to navigate information warfare. Your journey to becoming an officer starts with a commitment to facts, integrity, and responsibility—qualities that will guide you throughout your service. Stay alert and let truth lead the way.

Stay Tuned & Stay Connected!

– NDA Study

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