The National Investigation Agency (NIA), with support from the Manipur Police and the CRPF, arrested 10 people across Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts for their alleged involvement in the 2023–2024 ethnic violence in Manipur. The sweep, described by officials as a coordinated operation, included four members of the radical group Arambai Tenggol who are accused in a high-profile arms looting at an Indian Reserve Battalion post.
The four Arambai Tenggol volunteers are accused of taking part in the February 13, 2024, seizure of arms and ammunition from the 5th IRB post at Chingarel. They were arrested during simultaneous cordon-and-search operations and identified as Haobicham Manaocha (30) of Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai, Imphal West; Mutum Naoba (36) of Nambol Oinam Leikai, Bishnupur; Kangabam Somananda (41) of Tankham Awang Leikai, Imphal East; and Ningthoubam Bobby alias Khongthaba (37) of Leimakhong Premnagar/Mandov Yumpham Relief Camp, Khurkhul, Imphal West. The four were expected to be produced before the NIA court in Thoubal, where family members gathered near the court premises; authorities deployed Thoubal District Police and the Rapid Action Force to secure the area.
The NIA officially took over the investigation in July 2025. With these latest arrests the agency says it has now apprehended a total of 10 individuals linked to violence in the state. The other six detainees were arrested in connection with separate cases, including the 2023 Ukhrul Punjab National Bank (PNB) robbery, the 2024 murder of a Hmar woman in Jiribam, the abduction and killing of four Kuki individuals, an attack on CRPF personnel at Naranseina, and an ambush on the Chief Minister’s convoy.
The state government had earlier ordered a magisterial inquiry into the arms-looting incidents; that probe previously led to the arrest of six people by the police and the suspension of seven IRB personnel. Officials have not released further details while investigations and legal proceedings continue.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-nia-arrests-10-in-violence-cases-including-four-arambai-tenggol-members.html
Category: Manipur,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2026-06-20 09:05:00
