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Manipur Deputy CM Warns of "Dangerous Situation" Over Foreign Trainers

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho has described the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in training local armed groups as an extremely dangerous situation requiring proactive government action. The National Investigation Agency has arrested six Ukrainian citizens and one US citizen for allegedly supplying weapons and training to ethnic war groups in Myanmar. In response, Ukraine's Ambassador to India has delivered an official note of protest, demanding the immediate release of its detained citizens. The accused have been remanded to NIA custody on terror conspiracy charges.

Key Points: Foreign Nationals Arrested for Training Armed Groups in Manipur

  • 7 foreign nationals arrested
  • Accused of training ethnic armed groups
  • Ukraine issues official protest
  • NIA investigates terror conspiracy
  • Manipur Deputy CM urges serious action
2 min read

"Govt has to be proactive to address this dangerous situation": Manipur Deputy CM on foreign nationals allegedly training armed groups

Manipur Deputy CM calls for proactive action as NIA arrests 7 foreign nationals for allegedly training ethnic armed groups. Ukraine protests.

"The government has to be very proactive in taking care of this situation because it is one of the most dangerous situations for our state. - Losii Dikho"

Imphal, March 19

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the arrest of 7 foreign nationals allegedly involved in providing training to ethnic armed groups.

Manipur Deputy categorises the alleged involvement of foreign individuals in local ethnic conflicts as one of the most dangerous situations for the region.

Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur Losii Dikho, while speaking to ANI, said, "This is a very serious matter... The government has to be very proactive in taking care of this situation because it is one of the most dangerous situations for our state... Our state should take very serious steps on this."

On the other hand, Ukraine government has responded to the arrest of its 6 nationals by NIA with its Ambassador to India handing over an "official note of protest", demanding their immediate release.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested six Ukrainians and one US citizen for allegedly supporting ethnic war groups in Myanmar by supplying weapons and training them.

The Press Service of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in its response to the arrests that the country's Ambassador to India Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk held a meeting with the Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Sibi George, during which he handed over "an official note of protest demanding the immediate release of the Ukrainian citizens and access to them".

It said in addition, the Embassy is maintaining contacts with other competent authorities of India in order to clarify all the circumstances and reasons for the detention.

A US Embassy spokesperson said they were aware of the situation.

"We are aware of the situation. For privacy reasons, we cannot comment on cases involving US citizens," the Spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested 6 Ukrainians and one US citizen for allegedly supporting ethnic war groups in Myanmar by supplying weapons, terrorist hardware and training them.

The accused have been identified as Matthew Aaron Van Dyke (US citizen), Hurba Petro (Ukrainian citizen), Slyviak Taras (Ukranian Citizen), Ivan Sukmanovskyi (Ukranian citizen), Stefankiv Marian (Ukranian Citizen), Honcharuk Maksim (Ukranian Citizen), and Kaminskyi Viktor (Ukrainian citizen).

They have been arrested in a case lodged under Section 18 (Terror Conspiracy) and BNS.

Special NIA judge Prashant Sharma remanded all 7 accsued in 11 days of NIA custody on Monday. NIA had sought 15 days' custody.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The Deputy CM is right to call for proactive steps. The situation in Manipur is complex enough without external interference. I hope the NIA investigation is thorough and transparent, so the facts are clear to everyone, including the Ukrainian government.
P
Priya S
Ukraine handing a "note of protest" is rich. If their citizens are caught red-handed in activities that destabilize another nation, they should cooperate with the investigation, not protest. India has every right to protect its territory. Full support to NIA.
R
Rohit P
While the arrests are necessary, we must also ask why such elements find space to operate. Are there local networks facilitating this? Security is important, but so is addressing the root causes of instability in the region. A dual approach is needed.
M
Meera T
This is a very serious issue yaar. Foreign mercenaries or trainers have no business in our internal matters. Hope the government follows due process and presents solid evidence. The world needs to see that India will not tolerate such meddling.
D
David E
A respectful criticism: The report says they were supporting groups in *Myanmar*. The Deputy CM is talking about Manipur. The connection needs to be clearly explained to the public. Clarity prevents misinformation and strengthens the government's case.

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