Despite Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s appeal for the release of the arrested three UNLF (P) cadres, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has remanded them to custody for 10 days, from March 13 to March 23, 2024.
The CM was responding to questions from reporters about the arrest of three members of UNLF (P) by security agencies that the news of the arrests was not officially intimated to the state government.
However, the NIA had intimated the SP Imphal West informing him to arrest three accused persons in NIA case No. RC 23/2023/NIA Delhi-reg. Then, on March 13, the intimation letter to SP also stated to inform the family members of the three accused.
The NIA had sent a letter to SP Imphal West to confirm the arrest of Thokchom Shyamjai Singh @ Thokchom Gyaneshor @ Thoiba @ Zatawn, @ Zaw Tun @ Shidabamapu, aged 45, son of (late) Th lbotombi Singh Mayang, resident of Konchak Mamang Leikai, Imphal West; Laimayum Anand Sharma @ Ingba, aged 50, son of (late) L Indreshwar Sharma, resident of Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai, Imphal West and Salam Ibomcha Meitei @ Landaba, aged 38, son of Lokeswar Meitei, resident of Salam Keikhu Langjing, Imphal West.
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The NIA court granted the remand plea on March 13.
The three Pambei-led UNLF cadres were taken into custody in connection with case number RC 23/2023/NIA/ DLI by NIA New Delhi, which refers to a ‘transnational conspiracy by Myanmar-based leadership of militant outfits to wage war against the government of India by exploiting the current ethnic unrest in Manipur’.
They were arrested under charges of section 120 B, 121 A,122 of the IPC and sec 18 (B),39 of the UAPA 1967.
It should be mentioned that Moirangthem Anand along with four others were arrested by a team of NIA in connection with the same case number 23 of 2023 of NIA, New Delhi on September 21, 2023.
It is the same case under which the three UNLF cadres were arrested.
Moirangthem Anand was airlifted to New Delhi and he is now at Tihar jail. Whereas, the four others were released on bail.
The NIA has registered the case as suo-moto on July 19, 2023 as case number 23 of 2023 NIA, New Delhi.
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