In a significant development that has once again exposed the deep and troubling dimensions of the prolonged conflict in Manipur, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested ten persons, including four alleged members of Arambai Tenggol (AT) and a serving Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Manipur Police, in connection with a series of high-profile violence-related cases that have shaken the state over the past three years.
The arrests, carried out jointly by the NIA, Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), relate to some of the most serious incidents linked to the ongoing unrest, including the looting of arms from the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB), the alleged rape and murder of a Hmar woman in Jiribam, the abduction and killing of four Kuki civilians, the Punjab National Bank robbery in Ukhrul, the attack on CRPF personnel at Narainsena, and the ambush on the convoy of the Chief Minister.
Conducted across Imphal, Churachandpur and Ukhrul districts, the operation marks one of the largest crackdowns undertaken by the premier anti-terror agency since it assumed charge of several violence-related investigations in Manipur.
At the centre of the operation are four men identified by the NIA as members of Arambai Tenggol who were arrested in connection with the February 13, 2024 looting of firearms from the 5th IRB complex at Chingarel Tejpur in Imphal East district. The accused have been identified as Haorokcham Manaocha, Mutum Naoba Singh, Kangabam Somananda Singh and Ningthoujam Momocha Singh alias Mocha.
According to the NIA, its investigation uncovered their alleged involvement in a criminal conspiracy to loot weapons from the security force armoury during the height of the conflict, when thousands of firearms and large quantities of ammunition were reported missing from state armouries.
The agency stated that the four accused were apprehended during a joint operation on June 19. During interrogation, they allegedly admitted to being members of Arambai Tenggol and acknowledged their involvement in the arms loot case. Investigators, however, noted that the accused had not fully cooperated with the probe. The NIA has sought ten days of police custody for custodial interrogation and further recovery of evidence.
In a development likely to generate even greater public concern, the NIA also arrested a serving police officer in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a Hmar woman in Jiribam district.
The arrested officer, Salam Deepak Singh, an Assistant Sub-Inspector with Manipur Police, and Ningthoujam Boboy Singh of Imphal West district have been accused in the killing of Zosangkim, wife of Ngurthansang of Jairolpokpi (Zairawn) village.
According to the NIA, Zosangkim was allegedly raped and burnt alive inside her residence on the night of November 7, 2024. The agency stated that its investigation linked the crime to armed militants allegedly associated with Arambai Tenggol and the Manipur People’s Army.
The case had triggered widespread outrage and intensified concerns over targeted violence during the ethnic conflict. The NIA said evidence collected during the course of the investigation established the involvement of the two accused in the commission of the crime, including acts of murder and arson.
Investigators revealed that a breakthrough came after CRPF personnel apprehended Ningthoujam Boboy Singh and shared crucial information with the NIA. During questioning, he allegedly disclosed details relating to the crime and identified Salam Deepak Singh as another participant. The police officer was subsequently summoned by the NIA on June 19 and allegedly admitted his involvement during examination.
Both accused were produced before the Duty Magistrate and remanded to seven days of police custody for further investigation.
The arrest of a serving police officer in a case involving allegations of rape, murder and arson has added a disturbing dimension to the investigation and is likely to raise serious questions about the role of individuals entrusted with maintaining law and order during one of the darkest chapters in Manipur’s recent history.
The NIA also confirmed the arrest of four other accused in separate investigations related to the abduction and killing of four Kuki civilians, the robbery at Punjab National Bank in Ukhrul, the April 27, 2024 attack on CRPF personnel at Narainsena, and the June 10, 2024 ambush on the convoy of the Chief Minister.
The latest action by the NIA signals an intensification of efforts to bring perpetrators of conflict-related crimes to justice amid mounting public demands for accountability. With several of the cases involving allegations of organised violence, arms looting, murder and attacks on security forces, the arrests are expected to have far-reaching implications for ongoing investigations into the Manipur crisis.
Officials said investigations in all the cases remain active and further arrests cannot be ruled out.