Imphal, Semptember 24: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the robbery of over Rs 18.85 crore from a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Ukhrul district, Manipur, which occurred on November 30, 2023.
According to the NIA’s FIR, the robbery was allegedly carried out by armed cadres of the eastern faction of the NSCN/IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Isak Muivah), led by self-styled Lt Col (then Major) P Joseph alias P Jackson from Roni village in Kamjong district. The group reportedly intended to procure sophisticated weapons to strengthen its operations in Myanmar.
The case was registered following a directive from the Union Home Ministry on September 3, 2025, after Joseph and other cadres were arrested by Nagaland Police on July 30, 2025, and handed over to Manipur Police the following day.
The Home Ministry cited the gravity of the offence, its national and international implications, and the potential to uncover a larger conspiracy as reasons for NIA intervention.
Manipur has faced severe ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, resulting in at least 260 deaths and thousands displaced. The state has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, after Chief Minister N. Birendra Singh resigned.
