IMHAL, Nov 30: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating two major cases involving Korounganba Khuman, the leader of the Arambai Tenggol group, an armed Meitei militia accused of orchestrating violence in Manipur. The group has been linked to attacks on security personnel and arms looting, particularly during the ongoing ethnic conflict that has engulfed the state since May 2023. These incidents have intensified the violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

The Supreme Court recently transferred these cases, along with six other related proceedings, from the special NIA court in Imphal to Guwahati. The transfer came after the NIA raised concerns over the safety of the investigation process, citing escalating violence in the region. In its petition, the agency stated, “The safety and security of accused persons could be at grave peril as mobs are trying to interfere and disrupting the work of the investigator.”

According to the NIA, on November 1, 2023, Khuman led a group of Arambai Tenggol militants dressed in camouflaged uniforms and police attire to the Palace Compound in Imphal East. The group, armed with sophisticated weapons, clashed with police at the gate, firing shots and overpowering local forces. The second case involves the same day’s events when Khuman’s group allegedly attacked the northwestern gate of the 1st Manipur Rifles battalion, ransacking government offices, looting arms and ammunition, and vandalizing vehicles. The group escaped with the stolen firearms after reinforcements, including civil police, Assam Rifles, and CRPF, arrived at the scene.

The NIA has charged Khuman and his associates with several offenses, including armed rioting, obstructing public servants, robbery, criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and looting firearms from police/security forces. The agency also noted that the group used police and military uniforms without authorization.