NIA Arrests Bring ‘Important Links’ to Light, Says Former Manipur CM Biren Singh

Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday questioned whether a larger network with political interests was working to destabilise the state and undermine his government, following recent arrests by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Singh's remarks came a day after the NIA announced two more arrests in connection with the June 10, 2024 armed ambush on his convoy.

"I appreciate the NIA for the recent arrests in connection with the ambush on my convoy," Singh said in a post on X, referring to the arrest of the chief of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) in Aizawl, who is also accused in the attack.

The convoy was ambushed by unidentified armed men on NH-37 near K Sinam village in Kangpokpi district when Singh was chief minister. Two security personnel suffered grievous injuries and government vehicles were damaged in the attack.

Singh said it was "deeply disturbing" that those accused in the convoy ambush, as well as individuals linked to other attacks, including the Tronglaobi attack, were cadres of the UKNA, which he described as a non-SoO group.

Two children were killed and their mother seriously injured in an IED attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district on April 7. The NIA has arrested one person in connection with the attack, while another was apprehended in August.

Singh questioned whether the accused were acting independently or whether a wider network with political interests was involved in attempts to destabilise Manipur and undermine the then-elected government.

Calling for a thorough probe, the BJP leader said every link behind the violence and instability that began on May 3, 2023 should be investigated and those responsible brought to justice.

At least 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing in the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis, while thousands have been displaced.

Singh resigned as chief minister in February 2025. President's Rule was subsequently imposed and lifted on February 4, 2026.