The National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have arrested ten persons in connection with multiple cases under investigation, including the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) arms loot case, the killing of a Hmar woman in Jiribam, the Ukhrul Punjab National Bank robbery, the abduction and killing of four Kuki civilians, the attack on CRPF personnel at Narainsena, and the ambush on the Chief Minister’s convoy.
According to an official statement, the arrests were carried out during coordinated operations across Churachandpur, Imphal and Ukhrul districts.
Four of the arrested persons were identified by investigators as members of Arambai Tenggol in connection with the looting of firearms from the 5th IRB at Chingarel Tejpur in Imphal East district on February 13, 2024.
The accused were identified as Haorokcham Manaocha (30) of Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai in Imphal West; Mutum Naoba Singh (36) of Nambol Oinam Mamang Leikai in Bishnupur; Kangabam Somananda Singh (41) of Tangkham Awang Leikai in Imphal East; and Ningthoujam Momocha Singh alias Mocha (37) of Uchiwa Wangma in Thoubal district.
The NIA said the case was initially registered at Lamlai Police Station under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act before being re-registered by the agency on July 2, 2025, following directions from the Central Government.
The agency said its investigation had established the alleged involvement of the four accused in a criminal conspiracy to loot weapons from the 5th IRB. The accused were arrested on June 19 in a joint operation by the NIA and security forces.
During interrogation, they allegedly admitted their association with Arambai Tenggol and involvement in the incident, though the agency stated that they were not fully cooperating with the investigation. They were produced before the Duty Magistrate, and the NIA sought ten days of police custody for further questioning.
In another major development, the NIA arrested two persons, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Manipur Police, in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a Hmar woman in Jiribam district.
The arrested persons were identified as Salam Deepak Singh (35), an ASI posted with Manipur Police and a resident of Iroishemba Mamang Leikai, and Ningthoujam Boboy Singh (37) of Leimakhong Prem Nagar, both from Imphal West district.
According to the NIA, the victim, identified as Zosangkim, wife of Ngurthansang of Jairolpokpi (Zairawn) village in Jiribam, was allegedly raped and burnt alive at her residence on November 7, 2024. The agency said its investigation pointed to the involvement of armed militants allegedly linked to Arambai Tenggol and Manipur People’s Army.
The case was initially registered at Jiribam Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act and UAPA provisions before being taken over and re-registered by the NIA on November 11, 2024, following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The agency said information regarding the apprehension of Ningthoujam Boboy Singh was received from the CRPF. During questioning at the CRPF office, he allegedly disclosed details of the crime and named Salam Deepak Singh as another accused.
The NIA subsequently summoned Salam Deepak Singh on June 19 for examination, during which he allegedly admitted his involvement. Both accused were produced before the Duty Magistrate and were remanded to seven days of police custody.
Meanwhile, the remaining arrests were made in connection with other major cases, including the Ukhrul Punjab National Bank robbery, the abduction and killing of four Kuki civilians, the April 27, 2024 attack on CRPF personnel at Narainsena, and the June 10, 2024 ambush on the Chief Minister’s convoy. Investigations into all cases are continuing.
Security forces and Manipur Police have also intensified operations against insurgent networks, leading to the arrest of several alleged cadres linked to proscribed organisations, including individuals accused of extortion and recruitment activities.
On June 19, security forces arrested a juvenile cadre allegedly associated with the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) from the Songpi area under Churachandpur Police Station.
In another operation on June 18, security forces arrested an alleged extortion operative of KCP (PWG). The accused, identified as Wangkhem Premjit Singh alias Kamcha alias Ibomcha (46), was described as an S/S Captain of the outfit and was apprehended from Luker Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district.
On the same day, security personnel arrested an active cadre of RPF/PLA from the ISBT Complex area. The accused was identified as RK Solomon Singh alias Amon (51), a resident of Thangmeiband Lourungpurel Leikai in Imphal West.
His alleged associate, Thangmeishang Kasar (32), originally from Phange village in Kamjong district and currently residing in Imphal West, was also arrested.
During the operation, security forces rescued a juvenile who was allegedly being recruited into RPF/PLA.
In a separate action, security personnel arrested Sarangthem Jayenta Meetei alias Bicky alias Wanglen (48), identified as an S/S Lieutenant Colonel and Director In-Charge of Intelligence of RPF/PLA, from Kongba Bazar in Imphal East district.
Officials said security forces recovered incriminating materials, ₹2,000 in cash and a white Bolero Camper during the operations.
Separately, Manipur Police arrested another alleged active cadre of KCP (PWG), identified as Surensangbam Bungcha alias Winner (46), from Maibam Leikai under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West.
Security agencies said operations against insurgent activities, extortion networks and recruitment attempts would continue across the state.
