The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Rajkumar Maipaksana, a militant affiliated with the banned insurgent group People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), in connection with the brutal killing of a woman and the looting of homes in Jiribam district, Manipur, last year. The arrest took place in the Kannur district of Kerala, and he has been remanded in transit custody by the NIA special court in Kochi, pending his appearance before the Imphal NIA court.
Rajkumar is considered one of the main perpetrators in the horrific incident where Zosangkim, a 31-year-old tribal woman, was killed and several residences were set ablaze in Zairawn village in November 2024. The NIA had previously arrested two other militants linked to different extremist factions as part of its ongoing investigation into this case.
The investigation reveals that Zosangkim endured severe torture before her death, suffering 99 percent burns, according to her autopsy report. The examination noted that several body parts were missing, making it impossible to collect viable samples for chemical analysis due to extensive charring. Highlights from the report indicate that the right upper limb, parts of both lower limbs, and facial structures were notably absent.
Since May 2023, violence has erupted between the Meitei community in the Imphal valley and Kuki-Zo groups in the surrounding hills, leading to the deaths of over 260 individuals and leaving thousands homeless. The unrest intensified following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ aimed at opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Amidst this turmoil, the central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Jiribam, historically largely unaffected by the violence, saw unrest after a mutilated body of a farmer was discovered in a field in June.
The NIA continues to pursue further leads in this investigation to apprehend any remaining criminals involved in this heinous crime.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/manipur/nia-arrests-manipur-militant-in-connection-with-womans-brutal-murder/25589/
Category: Manipur,arrest,Ethnic Clash,Kerala,Militant,Murder case,NIA
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-05-19 17:08:00
