Missing arms case
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11 2022: The Special Judge NIA Manipur RK Memcha on Thursday framed charges against UKLF chairman Lhonkoson Haokip @ Soson @ SS Haokip in connection with arms missing case from 2nd Manipur Rifles arms kote The charges were framed under different sections of IPC, UA/P and Arms Act against the UKLF chairman who is a resident of of Khangbarol village, Tengnoupal and presently resides at Mantripukhri after hearing the charges levelled against him by NIA in their charge sheet submitted in September 2018 .

The same Court had earlier framed charges against former MLA of Saikul AC Yamthong Haokip, KRA chief David Hangsing (37), s/o (L) Laipao Hangsing of Sadar Hill, Havildar Nellakattil Podiyan, s/o Podiyan of Ommulur Kerala presently staying at 2nd Manipur Rifles, Riflemen Laishram Anilkumar, s/o Ibomcha of Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai, Ngamboi Haokip @ Raju, s/o Dongmang Haokip of Loibol Khunou Waroiching, Haobam Brojendro, s/o Tombi of Kwakeithel Nganapithong, Paonam Shantikumar Singh, s/o Shamu of Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi Ningthoujam Leikai, Laishram Damudor @ Thembung, s/o Jatra of Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi, Talung Pungphinamei, s/o Hingba Pungphinamei of Maram Kavanam, Mathurabasimayum Hiranjoy Sharma @ Ngouba s/o Haridas of Tera Sapam Leirak and Thokchom James @ Tonao, s/o Sunil Kumar of Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi on October 26, 2020 .

Accused Laishram Anilkumar, Paonam Shantikumar, NP Damodaran, M Hiranjoy Sharma, David Hangsing and Lhunkhoson Haokip who are on bail were also present during the announcement of the charge order while accused Ngamboi Haokip, Yamthong Haokip and Talung Pungphinamei were represented by their respective counsels.

Accused Thokchom James who is in judicial custody was not produced before the Court.

The case is also being proceeded against the self styled 2nd lieutenant of KNF (P) Lunsei Kipgen @ Jesis (33), s/o Satthang Kipgen of J Songtun Village by splitting the case after he was declared an absconder.

Two other accused have been declared approvers.

Out of 14 accused, 12 of them are presently facing the trial before the same Court.

The UKLF chairman was previously declared an absconder, but he later surrendered before the Court which fixed today for announcement of the charge order.

The Court after hearing the submission of the Special PP NIA, defence counsel and on perusal of the material on record framed charges against Lhonkoson Haokip under different sections of IPC.

The charges were also explained to the accused but the latter pleaded not guilty and sought trial, following which the Court fixed August 20 for hearing of the prosecution witnesses.

The case taken on the missing of 56 9mm pistols along with magazines from the arms kote of 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles was handed over from Imphal police station to NIA by an order of Union Home Ministry in April 2018 .

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