NIA arrests key conspirator in killing of Manipur cop amid ongoing probe into militant attacks
New Delhi/Imphal, April 30 The National Investigation Agency on Thursday arrested a prime accused in the 2023 killing of a Sub-Divisional Police Officer during an ambush by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur, officials said.
The accused, Otkhothang Baite alias Othang Baite, a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, was allegedly involved in the conspiracy behind the attack carried out by members of a suspected Kuki militant group.
According to NIA sources, the ambush targeted a district police team at a playground.
The militants had opened fire on October 31, 2023, during the peak of ethnic violence in the state.
Moreh SDPO Chingtham Ananda Kumar Singh sustained a bullet injury to his stomach in the attack and later succumbed to his injuries.
Initially registered by the Moreh police, the case was taken over by the NIA in March 2024.
During the course of its investigation, the central agency found that the conspiracy was aimed at spreading terror in Manipur.
Earlier this month, the NIA had arrested another accused, Kamginthang Gangte, in connection with the same case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had earlier said that a total of nine individuals, including a Myanmar national, have been arrested in connection with the SDPO's killing.
The involvement of a foreign national prompted the intervention of the NIA, citing the presence of external elements in the case.
Following the incident, widespread protests erupted across the valley districts of Manipur after the slain police officer's body was brought to Imphal.
Meanwhile, the NIA on March 18 filed charges against three cadres of the banned People's Liberation Army (PLA) terrorist outfit in connection with last year's ambush on an Assam Rifles truck in the state, which resulted in the deaths of two paramilitary personnel.
The charge sheet, submitted before the NIA Special Court in Imphal, invokes provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The accused in that case have been identified as Thongram Sadananda Singh alias Ngachik alias Purakpa, Khundongbam Oji Meitei alias Keilal, and Irengbam Jugindra Meitei alias Jugin Meitei, all residents of Manipur who were previously arrested by law enforcement agencies.
The ambush on the 33 Assam Rifles truck occurred on September 19, 2025, at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking that such violence continues in Manipur. The ethnic tensions have claimed too many lives, and now we have militants targeting police. The government must ensure peace talks and address the root causes. This isn't just about arrests—it's about healing communities.
Good to see the NIA taking this seriously, but 9 arrests for one officer's killing? That's just the tip of the iceberg. We need to dismantle the entire network of these Kuki militants. Also, the involvement of a Myanmar national suggests cross-border links we can't ignore. 🇮🇳
As an outsider, it's tough to grasp the complexity of Manipur's situation. The article highlights a police officer's sacrifice, which is universally tragic. I hope India's investigation brings justice and that the ethnic violence subsides. Thoughts and prayers from the US.
Yet another case where local police hand over to NIA—why can't state agencies handle this? Centralizing everything delays justice. Also, the charge sheet for the Assam Rifles ambush mentions BNS and UAPA, but we need to see concrete evidence in court. Enough of accusations, we want convictions!
The violence in Manipur is deeply concerning. Seeing a Myanmar national involved shows how regional instability spills over. India needs stronger border controls and community-based intelligence to prevent such attacks. My heart goes out to the officer's family. ❤️
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