News Reporter
Imphal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Imphal has formally arrested Thongminthang Haokip, also known as Thangboi Haokip or Roger, a key figure in the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC). This development follows a deadly attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on April 27, 2024, in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, where two CRPF personnel were killed, and two others were injured.
The Special NIA Court in Manipur authorized Haokip’s formal arrest, placing him under NIA custody until October 28, 2024. This legal move is crucial in the investigation as the NIA intensifies efforts to bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
Haokip had initially been detained at Imphal Airport on June 6, 2024, related to a separate NIA investigation in Delhi. He remains in District Jail, Rohini, New Delhi, with court proceedings conducted via video conferencing due to his secure detention status.
In a series of intensified operations on October 25, the Manipur Police announced on social platform X that security forces had uncovered a significant cache of weapons in Uyungmakhong, Bishnupur District. Items recovered included an SLR 7.62 mm rifle, ammunition, multiple grenades, communication devices, and an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing approximately 2.3 kg.
In a separate but related raid in Shantipur Makha Leikai, Imphal West, security forces also seized a single-barrel gun, locally made pistols, grenade detonators, a tube launching device, and an assortment of ammunition. The two consecutive operations signify ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle threats posed by armed groups in the region.
The NIA’s arrest of Haokip marks a significant step in the investigation, reinforcing the agency's commitment to maintaining peace and security in conflict-affected areas.