As part of its investigation into the aerial bombardment by Kuki terrorists employing drones in the Koutruk and Kadangband districts on September 1, 2024. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted the seizure memo and audio-video footage of the crime site to the special court. Following an FIR filed by the NIA under Section 105 of the BNSS, the audio-video recording of the crime scene was presented to the Special Court of NIA Manipur. According to the case’s Special PP, on September 1 at approximately 2:00 pm, unidentified Kuki terrorists began utilising advanced weapons such as sniper rifles and drones to assault the inhabitants of Koutruk and Kadangband from the surrounding hill on the western side.
It stated that a major concern to the country is the use of drones by extremists to drop bombs on citizens from a great height. The incident also claimed the life of a 31-year-old woman and seriously injured her young daughter. There was an exchange of fire between the two sides after the security forces stationed in the vicinity also replied. In order to investigate the armed Kuki terrorists, a case was filed at the Lamsang police station under several sections of the BNS, Arms Act, Explosive Substance Act, and UA(P) Act.
The Special PP went on to say that the case dockets and relevant documents were moved to the NIA Court after the NIA re-registered the case in accordance with a September 17 decision from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The inquiry revealed that the attack began at approximately 2:00 pm on September 1 and lasted until the wee hours of the morning. Additionally, according to the NIA, drones dropped explosives till 6 pm on the specified day. Additionally, it stated that Kuki terrorists arrived in Koutruk village after dark and set several homes, as well as numerous trucks and pieces of equipment, on fire in Koutruk Chingthak Leikai.
The case’s CIO has also received the evidence, which the forensic team’s scientific assistant carefully packed and sealed. After reviewing the NIA application, the Court granted the NIA petition. Following their opening in front of the court, the sealed evidence, photographs, and videos were counted. While the images and videos have remained in the Court’s hands, the material has been sealed once more and turned over to the NIA.
Meanwhile, on November 7 evening, a shootout broke out in Manipur’s Imphal East district between security personnel and suspected terrorists. There were no reported casualties during the roughly hour-long gunfight. In a number of outlying villages, including Shantikhongbal, Yaingangpokpi Uyok Ching, and Thamnapokpi Uyok Ching, the insurgents opened fire. The attackers’ identity and motivations are still unknown despite the security forces’ prompt response to the incident.
On the other hand, During a search operation on December 6, security personnel in the Thoubal district of Manipur recovered a sizable cache of weapons and ammunition. Among the items recovered were magazines, live rounds of ammo, hand grenades, tube launchers, one SMG carbine, and other military gear. Securing vulnerable regions was the goal of the operation, which was a component of continuous efforts to guarantee safety in both the valley and hill districts. 106 checkpoints and security convoys are among the stringent security measures in place to ensure the safe flow of automobiles.
