NIA Arrests 10 in Manipur as Links Emerge Across High-Profile Violence Cases

In a major breakthrough in the investigation of violence-linked cases in Manipur, joint teams of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) , Manipur Police , and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) arrested 10 accused persons during coordinated raids across several districts, including Churachandpur, Imphal, Ukhrul, Bishnupur and other affected areas. The arrests are part of a wider crackdown on networks linked to the ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023.

According to officials, the accused are linked to multiple high-profile cases under NIA investigation, including the Rs 18.85-crore Punjab National Bank robbery in Ukhrul, the looting of weapons from the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp at Chingarel Tejpur, the murder of a Hmar woman in Jiribam, the abduction and killing of four Kuki persons, the attack on CRPF personnel at Narainsena, and the ambush on the convoy of then chief minister N Biren Singh in June 2024.

Among those arrested were four alleged members of Arambai Tenggol , accused of participating in the February 2024 arms-loot incident at the 5th IRB camp. The NIA said its investigation had uncovered evidence of a criminal conspiracy behind the theft of firearms and ammunition. The agency has sought police custody of the accused for further interrogation.

In a separate development, two of the arrested persons, including a serving Assistant Sub-Inspector of Manipur Police , were taken into custody in connection with the rape and murder of Hmar woman Zosangkim in Jiribam in November 2024. Investigators allege the victim was attacked and burnt alive, with the case subsequently transferred to the NIA by the Union Home Ministry.

Officials said the latest arrests are expected to provide crucial leads on operational networks, logistics chains and individuals allegedly involved in sustaining violence across Manipur. More arrests have not been ruled out as investigators continue to examine links between various incidents.

Meanwhile, security forces also arrested a self-styled lieutenant colonel of the banned People's Liberation Army (PLA) from Kongba Bazar in Imphal East district during ongoing counter-insurgency operations.