The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken significant strides in the case related to the looting of arms and ammunition from the Bishnupur police armoury during the ethnic violence that engulfed Manipur last year. The agency filed a chargesheet against seven individuals before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Kamrup (Metro), Guwahati, marking a crucial development in the ongoing investigation.
The incident, which occurred on May 4 last year, coincided with ethnic clashes between the majority Metei community and the tribal Kukis in the northeastern state of Manipur, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
On August 3 of the same year, a frenzied mob plundered more than 300 weapons, 19,800 rounds of ammunition, and various accessories from the Bishnupur Battalion Headquarters located in Kote, 2-IRB at Naranseina.
Following a notification issued by both the state and the Centre under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the CBI assumed control of the case on August 24.
The chargesheet names seven accused individuals: Laishram Prem Singh, Khumukcham Dhiren alias Thapkpa, Moirangthem Anand Singh, Athokpam Kajit alias Kishorjit, Loukrakpam Michael Mangangcha alias Michael, Konthoujam Romojit Meitei alias Romojit, and Keisham Johnson alias Johnson.
While the investigation continues against other suspects involved in the looting of arms and ammunition, it’s noteworthy that five out of the seven accused had previously been chargesheeted by the CBI in the looting of the police armoury at the Manipur Police Training Centre (MPTC) in Pangei, Imphal.
Moirangthem Anand Singh, alleged to be a former member of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army of Manipur and Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon), is among the accused, with the remaining individuals believed to be overground workers of valley-based banned terror outfits.
Previously arrested by the Manipur police in September last year for allegedly extorting money while clad in police uniforms and brandishing sophisticated weapons, the accused’s arrest sparked protests that persisted for two days. Though released following a court order, Singh was subsequently apprehended by the National Investigation Agency in Delhi for suspected links with Myanmar-based rebel groups and conspiring to wage war against India amid the prevailing ethnic unrest in Manipur.
The chargesheet filing by the CBI signifies a crucial step towards ensuring justice and maintaining law and order in Manipur amidst the turbulent ethnic landscape.