NIA arrests militant lodged in Assam jail for involvement in Manipur civilians’ killing

Guwahati: In a significant breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a militant currently lodged in an Assam jail for his alleged involvement in the killing of four civilians in Manipur’s Bishnupur district earlier this year. The arrest was made on June 8, according to an official statement released by the NIA on June 9.

Lunminsei Kipgen, also known by his aliases Langinmang, Mang, and Levi, was apprehended from Central Jail, Lokhra, in Guwahati. A resident of Manipur, Kipgen was arrested under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act. This marks the first arrest in connection with the brutal killings that took place on January 18, where four civilians were murdered near the water treatment plant at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou, Bishnupur.

The NIA’s statement detailed that the assailants had opened indiscriminate fire from sophisticated weapons, resulting in the tragic deaths of the civilians. The agency registered the case on February 9 and uncovered Kipgen’s active involvement in the attack during their investigation. The incident is part of the ongoing ethnic unrest and violence in the northeastern state of Manipur. Lunminsei Kipgen was previously a cadre of the Kuki militant outfit KNF(P) but had recently joined another Kuki militant organisation, the United Kuki National Army, amid the current spate of violence. His participation in the killings was a critical finding of the investigation, linking him directly to the gruesome incident. The NIA continues its diligent efforts to bring perpetrators of violence to justice, focusing on restoring peace and stability in the region. The arrest of Kipgen is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the ethnic tensions and ensuring accountability for acts of violence.

Earlier on June 6, NIA has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to quell violence in Manipur, arresting a key Kuki terrorist leader at Imphal Airport. The detained individual, Thongminthang Haokip, also known by aliases Thangboi Haokip and Roger, is a prominent figure within the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC).

Haokip’s arrest is part of a broader investigation into a transnational conspiracy involving insurgents and terrorist groups aiming to escalate violence in Manipur and spread terror across the northeastern states. This conspiracy, as revealed by the NIA, involves Kuki and Zomi insurgents supported by terrorist organisations in the northeastern region and neighbouring Myanmar. The groups are accused of exploiting ongoing ethnic unrest to wage war against the Indian government through violent attacks on security forces and civilians, particularly targeting the Meitei community.

The case against Haokip is built on charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, registered suo motu by the NIA on July 19 of the previous year. Haokip is alleged to have actively participated in attacks on security forces at multiple locations, leveraging his connections with the insurgent group Kuki National Front-Burma (KNF-B) in Myanmar for logistical support. His aim was to intensify the volatile situation in Manipur and instil fear among the local population, mainly the Meitei community.

The arrest underscores the NIA’s commitment to tackling militant activities and safeguarding civilian lives. As the investigation progresses, further developments are anticipated in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Bishnupur killings.