Security concerns escalate in Northeast India amidst Manipur violence

The security situation in Northeast India is becoming increasingly volatile, marked by a series of troubling incidents. From high-profile arrests related to insurgent activities to public condemnations of security forces’ actions, the region faces significant challenges. Key incidents include the KNF-MC’s denial of links to a recently arrested suspect, the NIA’s breakthrough in a January massacre investigation, and the NSCN-K’s criticism of military raids. These events underscore the complex and evolving security landscape in the northeastern states.

KNF-MC refutes Thangboi in NIA custody as its cadre

The Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC) has firmly denied any association with Thongminthang Haokip, also known as Thangboi Haokip and Roger, who was recently apprehended by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team at Imphal airport. The denial came in a press release issued on Friday by the outfit’s Information and Public Relations department.

Th. Rio Kuki, a spokesperson for the KNF-MC, emphasized that Thangboi Haokip has no links to their organization. “He has never been enrolled as a cadre nor has any connection with our organization,” stated Rio Kuki. The arrest of Thangboi under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA (P) Act) in case RC-24/2023/NIA/DLI, initiated suo moto by the NIA, is unrelated to the KNF-MC, Rio Kuki asserted.

The NIA, in a press release issued on Thursday, described Thangboi as a key accused in a case involving a transnational conspiracy by insurgents and terrorist gangs aimed at escalating violence in Manipur and spreading terror across the northeastern states of India. According to the NIA’s investigation, Thangboi has admitted to being a member of both the KNF-MC and the United Tribal Volunteers (UTV).

NIA makes first arrest in January killing of four civilians in Manipur

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a militant, currently held in an Assam jail, for his alleged role in the killing of four civilians in Manipur’s Bishnupur district earlier this year. The agency made this announcement on Sunday.

Lunminsei Kipgen, also known by his aliases Langinmang, Mang, and Levi, was arrested on Saturday by the NIA from Central Jail, Lokhra, in Guwahati under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act. Kipgen, a resident of Manipur, is the first person to be arrested in connection with the January 18 attack, where armed assailants brutally murdered four civilians near the water treatment plant at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou, Bishnupur.

According to the NIA, the assailants used sophisticated weapons to indiscriminately fire at the victims, leading to their deaths. The agency, which registered the case on February 9, discovered through its investigation that Kipgen was actively involved in the attack, which was part of the ongoing ethnic unrest and violence in the northeastern state.

Kipgen was previously a member of the Kuki militant outfit KNF(P) before joining another Kuki militant organization, the United Kuki National Army, during the current spate of violence. His participation in the killings was confirmed by the NIA’s findings.

NSCN – K (Khango) condemns AR raid
The NSCN/GPRN (Khango) has condemned a raid conducted by the 43 Assam Rifles on the residence of Obed T Naga, Secretary of the Ministry of Kilo (Home) Affairs, in Thilixu village.

In a press release, the MIP stated that the “undisciplined AR boys” encircled the official after he reached his residence returning from the social engagement service and raised “several unwarranted questions which is uncalled for.”

“The AR personnel at gun barrel intimated the NSCN official to append thumb impression and signature in NOC after they failed to find any evidence from his possession,” the MIP stated.

According to the statement, the raid violated the Ceasefire Ground Rules agreed upon with the Government of India.

When the NSCN and Gol are fully committed to settle the vexed Naga political issue through peaceful means at this crucial stage, the blatant actions meted out by the Assam Rifles creates a fear psychosis to the national workers and general Naga public, it added.

The NSCN/GPRN appealed to the concerned authority to educate their boys the ceasefire ground rules and its mechanism in order to maintain a congenial atmosphere between the two entities without any unnecessary provocation caused by some security personnel.

‘Misguided’ NSCN (U) cadres return to families with security forces’ help
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles, along with the Arunachal Pradesh Police, facilitated the return of two young cadres from the NSCN (U) to their families on 7 June.

The two young men had previously joined the organization due to “misguidance” but they were provided an opportunity to rejoin the mainstream and their families through coordinated efforts, stated an official statement.

The Army, Assam Rifles, the Deputy Commissioner of Changlang, and the Changlang Police worked in tandem with the families of the cadres to ensure their safe return.

MTNews Desk