10 arrested in major NIA crackdown as Manipur security grid tightens

Imphal, June 19: In one of the biggest synchronized security crackdown since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur Police and the CRPF on Thursday arrested 10 accused individuals from several districts of the state during a series of raids.

Confirming the arrests, Manipur Police said that joint teams carried out the operation in Imphal, Churachandpur, Ukhrul and several other districts and aimed at arresting individuals involved in a string of high-profile cases, currently being investigated by the NIA.

According to police, some of the cases related to the recent ethnic conflict in Manipur are those including the Ukhrul Punjab National Bank robbery, looting of arms from 5th India Reserve Battalion, killing of a Hmar woman in Jiribam, abduction and murder of four Kuki persons, attack on CRPF personnel at Narainsena, and attack on Chief Minister’s convoy.

The development has gained significant attention after Arambai Tenggol chief Korounganba Khuman said that three members of his Meitei organization were among those arrested on Thursday.

Taking to social media platform Facebook, Khuman said that “as informed and acknowledged that three volunteers from Arambai Tenggol (I) have been arrested on the call to duty of our society and to fulfill their civic responsibility they have acted upon the request of many from various communities,” in what he termed as serving in service for the cause of our community, reported ANI.

Though authorities have not yet disclosed the names and identities of all the 10 arrested individuals nor the specific charges they are being faced with, it is understood that follow up operations and further interrogations are already underway. The crackdown comes at a time when security forces across Manipur have intensified their efforts to prevent fresh outbreaks of violence and maintain law and order. 515 vehicles carrying essential commodities from National Highway-37 were ensured under escorted by the security forces and stringent security measures are in place on all the sensitive portions to prevent any interruption of supplies.

Besides, 118 nakas and checkpoints have been established across hill and valley districts of the state to conduct enhanced surveillance and area domination.

Security officials have indicated that the operation was launched on the basis of inputs received and based on evidence gathered during investigations carried out by central and state agencies.

Further arrests have not been ruled out as investigations into several critical cases are still progressing and leading agencies are in pursuit of those who may be involved in murder, abduction, armed attacks and looting of arms and ammunition that have taken place during the Manipur conflict which continues for the last year.

According to the NIA, the accused were arrested in connection with six different cases linked to the ethnic unrest that has rocked Manipur. Investigators said evidence gathered during the probe pointed to their involvement in several violent incidents during the conflict.

The agency alleged that the accused played active roles in attacks on security forces, looting of arms and ammunition, and bank robberies reported during the period of violence.

Describing the operation as intelligence-driven, the NIA said extensive technical, field and intelligence-based investigations were carried out before the arrests. The crackdown was aimed at identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in criminal and terror-related activities connected to the unrest, irrespective of community affiliations.

Officials said the arrests are expected to provide crucial leads on the planning, execution and support networks behind various incidents of violence. Investigators are also examining possible links between different cases and the involvement of insurgent groups and organised networks.

The NIA said investigations into the Manipur violence cases remain ongoing and further action is likely as the probe progresses.

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