INDIA. Mumbai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Moirangthem Anand Singh (45) in connection with a transnational conspiracy involving Myanmar-based terror organizations collaborating to wage war against the Government of India, exploiting ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
The arrest of Moirangthem Anand Singh was executed in Manipur, and it stems from a suo moto case initiated by the NIA in New Delhi on July 19.
Subsequently, Singh was transported to New Delhi and presented before a designated court, which remanded him to police custody until September 27, as stated in an NIA statement released on Saturday.
Notably, Moirangthem Anand Singh has been identified as a former member of banned groups, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur and the Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) (KCP).
The FIR (No RC23/2023/NIA/DU) discloses that as part of a conspiracy orchestrated by insurgent group leadership, prohibited terrorist organizations rooted in Myanmar have been enlisting Over Ground Workers (Cadres) to bolster their ranks, with the intention of launching attacks on security forces.
They have been doing so by capitalizing on the ongoing unrest in Manipur, amassing arms, ammunition, and explosives through illicit means, including the looting of government facilities and resources.
Singh’s arrest occurred on September 16, alongside four others apprehended in Kongba by the Manipur Police for possession of weapons looted from a police armory. The police had initially charged the group with extortion threats, the misuse of police uniforms, and impersonation.
However, following their detention, local residents voiced their protests, asserting that these individuals were village defense activists.
In response, a 48-hour general strike was imposed, and a significant number of people converged at police stations across Manipur, demanding their release, contending that they were engaged in activities aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of the wider community.
On Friday, a Special Judge from the NIA in Imphal East granted bail to these individuals, conditional upon each furnishing a PR bond of Rs 50,000 and one surety of the same amount, with the stipulation that they cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and make themselves available to the investigating authorities as required.
Following this court decision, Athokpam Kajit alias Kishorjit (39), Loukrakpam Michael Mangangcha (30), Konthoujam Romojit Meitei (28), Keisham Johnson (35), and Moirangthem Anand Singh (45) were released at approximately 6 pm.
However, Moirangthem Anand Singh was subsequently re-arrested by the NIA, indicating that the investigation into the transnational conspiracy remains ongoing.
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