The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet alleging that the "China-Myanmar module" of the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN-IM supported cadres of two banned Meitei outfits to infiltrate India, aiming to exploit ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur.

According to the chargesheet, the larger objective is to destabilise the state and wage war against the Government of India.

The chargesheet, presented in a Guwahati court on March 7, pertains to five accused individuals arrested in Manipur last July. It asserts that they "criminally conspired with intent to carry out violent terror attacks targeting the rival Kuki-Zo community, using prohibited arms and ammunition looted from various government sources."

The Union government reached a ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM leadership in India in 1997, and a framework agreement was signed with the group in 2015 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming for a political solution. The NSCN-IM seeks to establish a 'Greater Nagaland' encompassing Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

M. Anand Singh, aged 44, identified as the main accused, was apprehended last July along with A. Kajit Singh, Keisham Johnson, L. Michael Mangangcha, and K. Romojit Meitei by the Manipur Police while travelling in a vehicle disguised in camouflage attire resembling security personnel uniforms.

The police recovered three weapons and ammunition looted from police armouries in their possession. Following this NIA initiated a new case on July 19 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other relevant sections of the law to investigate the broader conspiracy.

According to NIA, Anand Singh mobilised local youth to undergo armed training with the aim of exacerbating ethnic tensions. In July 2023, Singh reportedly took part in a weapons training camp organised by PLA cadres at Selloi Langamai Ecological Park near Keikhu, where approximately 8090 young men received training in firearms handling.

The NIA stated that Singh assisted in providing training on battle drills and jungle warfare to the participating youth. NIA has stated that the criminal intent to target the rival community was confirmed by the use of camouflage attire worn by the accused to evade detection by security personnel.

As per NIA, the "China-Myanmar" module of NSCN-IM, based in Myanmar, decided to offer support to banned terrorist organisations Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup and People's Liberation Army of Manipur to infiltrate their members into Indian Territory for carrying out terrorist attacks.

The NIA added that NSCN-IM promised a safe passage, along with arms, ammunition, and other terrorist hardware, to Manipur-based terrorist outfits for this purpose.

Image source: The Hindu