NIA formally arrests KNF-MC cadre over killing CRPF jawans

Imphal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur branch on Monday formally arrested Thongminthang Haokip, alias Thangboi Haokip, alias Roger, 38, a cadre of the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC), in connection with the killing of two CRPF jawans in Narensheina, Bishnupur district, Manipur.

An attack, carried out by Kuki militants on April 27, killed two CRPF jawans and injured two others.

The NIA Manipur branch had filed an application before the Special Court, NIA Manipur on

October 24, seeking permission to formally arrest Thongminthang Haokip, son of the late Holkhasei of Malhoi (S), Churachandpur district.

The Court granted the request and remanded him to NIA custody till October 28.

Thongminthang was initially apprehended by an NIA team from Delhi at Bir Tikendrajit Imphal International Airport on June 6. He was apprehended in connection with a transnational conspiracy involving insurgent and terrorist outfits aiming to escalate violence in Manipur and spread terror in the northeastern region of India. Thongminthang was one of the prime suspects in the attack on CRPF troops.

According to the Special Public Prosecutor (PP) of NIA, a case was registered on June 13, 2024, following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This was based on an FIR lodged at Moirang police station regarding the April 27 attack on CRPF troops deployed at the western side of the 2nd IRB camp in Naranseina.

Thongminthang was lodged in District Jail, Rohini, New Delhi.

The NIA established further evidence of his involvement, through a technical investigation of his mobile phone, in the crime scene at Naranseina.

The Special PP revealed that a mobile phone seized from the scene belonged to one of the militants directly involved in the attack. CDR analysis of the seized phone indicated frequent contact with Thongminthang’s phone. Additionally, tower dump data placed both phones at the scene during the time of the crime.

Thongminthang had earlier admitted of being the commander of the group of 18 or more militants who attacked the CRPF camp at Naranseina, the Special PP informed the Court.