Another accused in Ccpur ambush arrested
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 16 2022:
An active cadre of the banned Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF), who was directly involved in the killing of an Assam Rifles colonel, his family and five soldiers on November 13, 2021 in Churachandpur district has been arrested by NIA.
The arrested MNPF cadre identified as Machukring Hungyo alias Achan, 21, son of Surrender Hungyo of New Canaan village, Ukhrul was produced before the special court, NIA Manipur on Tuesday and the court sent him to 10 days police custody till November 26 for further questioning.
Machukring Hungyo is a wanted militant and NIA announced cash reward of Rs 4 lakh on information leading to his arrest.
He was arrested from Lamlong area of Imphal East district on November 12 by a combined team of Manipur police, NIA and Assam Rifles following a tip off about the presence of some militants directly involved in the November 13, 2021 ambush near Behiang in Churachandpur district wherein Colonel Tripathi of 46 Assam Rifles and his family along with five AR jawans were killed.
While producing Machukring Hungyo, special PP NIA submitted before the court that NIA re-registered the ambush case under relevant sections of Arms Act and Explosive Substance Act in compliance with the order of Ministry of Home Affair, and started investigation.
As part of the investigation, NIA got a tip off that some militants directly involved in the ambush are loitering in Lamlong area of Imphal East district and accordingly arrested Machukring Hungyo from Lamlong bazar.
Apart from submitting to the court that arrested Machukring Hungyo was directly involved in the ambush as per his disclosure during initial questioning and further investigation is required, the special PP NIA prayed for granting police custody remand.
After hearing submission of the special PP NIA and examining materials on record, the court sent Machukring Hungyo to 10 days police custody till November 25.Mention may be made here that one self-styled corporal of MNPF involved in the case was also produced before the special NIA Manipur court on Tuesday and granted judicial remand.
NIA had in May this year also arrested a father-son duo in connection with the case but the son was later released on bail.