Manipur: NIA Files Charge Sheet against Kuki Militants for Brutal Killing of Four Civilians

IMPHAL: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against Kuki militant groups like KNA, KNF, and UKNA about the heinous killing of four civilians - a father-son duo - near a water treatment plant at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou on January 18, 2024. The attack was aimed at spreading fear and inciting communal tension, which took place around 3:50 PM.

The NIA filed a charge sheet against Luminsei Kipgen, alias Levis, a 35-year-old resident of Mamong village in Churachandpur district, with the Special Court, NIA Manipur. He had earlier been arrested in connection with the murder. Charges have been pressed against him under various sections of the IPC, UA (P) Act, and the Arms Act.

The court took cognizance of the charge sheet filed but postponed proceedings, saying that it could resume them if needed later.  During the investigation, it was ascertained that Kipgen had suffered a leg injury during an encounter between the security forces at the DC Office and the SP Office in Churachandpur. He had run to Guwahati for medical attention and was arrested on March 20, 2023, by the Dispur Police in connection with another case.

During interrogation, Kipgen admitted that on January 18, 2024, a group of militants from UKNA, KNA, KNF, and other Kuki underground factions descended from the hills near Churachandpur. They intended to terrorize civilians in Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou.  The group was divided into teams, and six armed militants, including Kipgen, entered the valley to attack while others remained in the hills to give them support.

One of the captured was Ningthoujam Nabadip Meitei, who was taken from near the water treatment plant. The militants tied up his hands, gagged him, and killed him using knives while recording the process for propaganda.

They went to the water treatment plant and started indiscriminately firing, killing three other civilians: Oinam Bamonjao, along with his son Oinam Manitoba, and Thiyam Somendro.

The investigation revealed the killings as part of a more significant plot to incite hatred among communities and bring about terror among people at large. Kipgen and his associates used sophisticated weapons in their planned attack to promote division and terror among communities.

The NIA charged the accused under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 153A (promoting enmity), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (common intention) of the IPC. Charges under the UA(P) Act for terrorist activities and the Arms Act for the possession of illegal firearms were also included.

While the court has granted permission to file the charge sheet, further proceedings will depend on the progress of the investigation, which aims to identify all conspirators involved.  This attack has left a deep scar in the region, which highlights the urgent need for peace and justice in Manipur.

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