NIA Arrests Suspect in Jiribam Meitei Killings from Cachar

Guwahati/Imphal, June 2024 – In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a prime suspect linked to the targeted killings of Meitei community members in Manipur's Jiribam district. The operation was conducted in Assam's Cachar district, highlighting interstate ramifications of the ethnic violence.

Key Details of the Arrest:

Identity: The arrested individual (name withheld) is a Kuki militant affiliated with a valley-based insurgent group.

Charges: UAPA, murder, and conspiracy in the June 12 attacks that left 4 Meitei civilians dead.

Evidence: Recovered weapons and digital trails connect the accused to cross-border handlers.

Context of the Jiribam Violence:

Jiribam, previously unaffected by the Manipur conflict, saw fresh violence in June 2024 after Meitei settlements were targeted, triggering mass displacement. The NIA took over the probe citing "larger conspiracy" angles.

Interstate Militancy Nexus:

The arrest in Cachar (Assam) underscores:

✔️ Use of Assam-Manipur border as a militant corridor

✔️ Role of social media in coordinating attacks

✔️ Revival of old insurgent networks amid the crisis

Next Steps: The NIA is tracking 3 more suspects across Tripura and Nagaland. Meanwhile, Manipur Police have intensified combing ops in Jiribam.