Manipur: NIA Arrests 10 Accused in Ethnic Violence Cases, Including Four Arambai Tenggol Members
Imphal, June 19: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), with the support of Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has arrested 10 individuals in connection with several high-profile cases linked to the ethnic violence that affected Manipur during 2023 and 2024.
The latest operation included the arrest of four members of the Arambai Tenggol (AT) group, who are accused of involvement in the looting of arms and ammunition from a security installation during the unrest.
According to officials, the arrests were carried out during coordinated cordon-and-search operations conducted simultaneously across Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur districts. The operation is being viewed as one of the most extensive crackdowns undertaken so far in connection with violence-related investigations.
The four arrested Arambai Tenggol members have been identified as Haobicham Manaocha (30) of Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai in Imphal West, Mutum Naoba (36) of Nambol Oinam Leikai in Bishnupur district, Kangabam Somananda (41) of Tankham Awang Leikai in Imphal East, and Ningthoubam Bobby alias Khongthaba (37) of Leimakhong Premnagar and Mandov Yumpham Relief Camp in Khurkhul, Imphal West.
Investigators allege that the four individuals were involved in the February 13, 2024 incident in which arms and ammunition were looted from the 5th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) post at Chingarel during the period of unrest.
As the accused were scheduled to be produced before the NIA Court in Thoubal, family members and supporters gathered near the court premises. In response, additional security personnel from the Thoubal District Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
The NIA officially took over the arms-looting case in July 2025 as part of its broader investigation into major incidents linked to the ethnic violence in Manipur.
With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals apprehended by the agency in connection with various violence-related cases has reached ten.
Officials said the remaining six accused were arrested in separate cases, including the 2023 Ukhrul Punjab National Bank robbery, the 2024 murder of a Hmar woman in Jiribam, the abduction and killing of four Kuki individuals, the attack on CRPF personnel at Naranseina, and the ambush on the Chief Minister’s convoy.
Earlier, the Manipur government had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the arms-looting incidents. The inquiry led to the arrest of six individuals by state police and disciplinary action against several personnel, including the suspension of seven members of the Indian Reserve Battalion.
The NIA stated that investigations into the various cases remain ongoing, and further legal proceedings will follow in accordance with the findings of the probe.
