NIA chargesheets two in Kwakta blast case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 14 2024: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed chargesheet against two accused, including the main conspirator in the Jupe 2023 Kwatka bomb blast case.

Mohammad Noor Hussain, also known as Tomba, and Seiminlun Gangte, alias Min-lun, have been named in the chargesheet filed by the NIA.

The blast, which occurred on June 21, 2023, on a culvert/bridge near Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Leikai and Kwakta in Bishnupur district, left three individuals injured and caused extensive damage to public and private properties.

The chargesheet filed under various sections of the Indian Penal.

Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosive Substances Act, and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, outlined involvement of the accused in the orchestrated explosion.

Noor Hussain, arrested on October 16, was identified as the individual who drove the bomb-fitted Mahindra Scorpio SUV to the targeted bridge, while Seiminlun Gangte, arrested on November 2 has been identified as the mastermind behind the plot.

According to NIA, Seiminlun Gangte, along with other co-conspirators, orchestrated the conspiracy to detonate the bomb with the intent to strike Terror and disrupt the movement of security forces and civilians.

He recruited Md Noor Hussain for execution of the explosion, aiming to sever vital transportation routes of food and other essential commodity supply.

While the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the case, the NIA continues its investigations to apprehend other absconding suspects involved in the blast.

Manipur has been plagued by ethnic clashes between the Meetei community dominant in the Imphal valley region and the Kuki-Zo community, dominant in five out of the 10 hill districts.

Since May last year, these clashes have resulted in the loss of over 200 lives and displaced approximately 60,000 individuals.

The root of the violence can be traced back to May 3, when a mass solidarity rally organised by All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) against ST demand turned violent in Kuki dominant Churachandpur district and violent mob targeted Meetei civilians and their properties in the district and adjoining Bishnupur district.

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