State to hand over Ccpur ambush case to NIA
Source: Chronicle News Service / IANS

Imphal, November 18 2021: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has revealed that the government is preparing to hand over the Churachandpur ambush case to National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Responding to queries raised by media persons after he attended an event at JN Manipur Dance Academy here on Thursday, CM Biren informed that preparations are on to rope in the service of the premier probe agency to investigate the Churachandpur ambush, which was claimed by the proscribed PLA and MNP outfit.

The case is currently in process in accordance with the FIR.

As part of handing over the case to NIA, the government needs to write a letter for the same to the investigative agency, he conveyed.

The Chief Minister said that the case would be handed over to the NIA to reveal the actual details and identity of the perpetrators of the violence.

It may be recalled that cadres of proscribed PLA and MNP ambushed an Assam Rules convoy near Behiang village in Churachanpur district on November 13 .

The Commanding Officer of 46 AR Col Viplav Tripathi was killed along with his wife, son and four other personnel.

According to a senior Home Department official in the state, the attack in Churachandpur district bordering Myanmar has many dimensions, hence only a central agency probe can unearth the genuine details.

"The issues related to the attack are not just limited to the north-eastern region, but have possible international links and multiple dimensions," the official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

Security forces, including the army and the Assam Rifles, have been put on high alert in Manipur after Saturday's terror attack, the deadliest in the region.

Meanwhile, on the request of the Manipur government, the Union Home Ministry had last month asked the NIA to probe the assassination of influential tribal leader and social activist Athuan Abonmai on September 22 in Tamenglong district, bordering Assam and Nagaland.

After the widespread condemnation of the assassination of Abonmai by suspected militants of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak- Muivah), the Manipur Chief Minister had publicly apologised for the police inaction to protect the life of the well-known tribal leader.

Months ahead of the Assembly elections in Manipur, militant activities have increased in the north-eastern state, forcing the authorities to ask the security forces to intensify vigil in the vulnerable areas.

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