UKLF leader remanded in arms missing case
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 16 2021:
Self styled chairman of the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), Lhunkhoson Haokip who is a prime accused in the arms missing case from the arms kote of 2 Manipur Rifles surrendered before the Special Judge of the NIA today and he has been remanded to the custody of NIA till September 21.Lhunkhoson Haokip @ Soson @ SS Haokip was declared a proclaimed offender on August 27, 2019 in the arms missing case which is being investigated by National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The proclaimed offender who is listed as accused number 12 in the NIA charge sheet surrendered before the Court and filed a bail application, today.
The Court heard the submission of Special PP NIA and the counsel of the accused and also perused the material on record.
The accused counsel submitted that due to various reasons Lhunkhoson Haokip could not appear before the Court and now he is willing to face the trial.
Further it was submitted that the accused is undergoing medical treatment and prayed for bail.
On the other hand, Special PP NIA submitted that the accused was not arrested during investigation and prayed for 10 days NIA custody.
The Court observed that a charge-sheet has already been filed without the appearance of Lhunkhoson Haokip and is in the stage of hearing the prosecution witnesses.
The Court then remanded the accused to NIA custody till September 21.The Court, on the other hand, directed the NIA to provide due medical aid to the accused and allow his relatives to visit him under surveillance.
It may be mentioned that during the investigation of the case, NIA carried out a search operation on August 23, 2018 at the residence of Lhunkhoson Haokip during which 9 (nine) 9mm pistols were recovered.
The NIA after completion of the investigation submitted their first charge sheet on September 25, 2018 against Laishram Anil Kumar, Thokchom James, Paonam Shanti Kumar, Haobijam Brojendro, Ngamboi Haokip @ Raju, Nellikattil Podiyan Damodaran, Mathurabashimayum Hiranjoy and Laishram Damudor.
Later NIA submitted their second charge sheet of the same case against KRA chief David Hangsing, Th Diamond, Yamthong Haokip (MLA Saikul AC) and Lhunkhonson Haokip.
David Hangsing and Yamthong Haokip are currently on bail.