NIA probes Koutruk drone attack case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 16 2024: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched investigation into the drone bombing carried out by Kuki militants on Kouruk village on September 1, 2024, which killed a young woman and left her daughter injured besides injuries caused to locals and security personnel.

According to a police source, the relative calm for four-five months of the violence between Meetei and Kuki communities since May 3, 2023 was shattered on September 1, this year when Koutruk village in Imphal West district was attacked from Bethel village in Kangpokpi district.

The attack involving sophisticated weapons and drone bombs killed one Ngangbam Surbala, 31, wife of Ingo of Phayeng Umang Leikai, while her 12-year-old daughter Rojiya and two security personnel were among many injured in the attack.

After the state government handed over the case to NIA, the agency registered a case regarding the incident and despatched a team to conduct the probe.

The NIA team that conducted spot enquiry on Wednesday morning accompanied by a police team led by Imphal SDPO and forensic experts, inspected the spot where Surbala was killed and her daughter Rojiya was injured.

Notably, Lamsang police station registered a case regarding the September 1 drone attack on Koutruk and had started an investigation.

However, the state government entrusted investigation of the case to the NIA after suspecting involvement of external elements in the attack.

The NIA too registered a case and made a spot enquiry on Wednesday as part of the investigation.

The source further informed that the NIA team will remain in the state to conduct further investigations including relevant questioning.

Mention may be made that the attack by Kuki militants drone bombs injured Manipur police constable Robert Ngasepam, 30, son of Brojen of Awang Khunou Maning Leikai and rifleman Moirangthem Ingobi, 53, son of late Thouba of Yairipok Top Chingtha.

While Surbala was killed after she was hit on her head in the attack, her daughter Rojiya suffered bullet injury on her right arm.

The attack left at least 11 people including two security personnel and Rojiya injured.

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