National Investigation Agency arrests top NSCN(K) leader in Manipur ambush

NEW DELHI: Making its first arrest in the June 4 Manipur ambush case, National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday took custody of a senior functionary of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) - the militant outfit suspected to be behind the attack.

The agency arrested Khumlo Abi Anal alias Ambison, the regional chairman of NSCN (K) in Chandel district of Manipur. NIA sources said Anal had provided logistics for the attack and had met the attackers hours before the ambush.

"Investigation has revealed the accused was extensively involved in the conspiracy to attack the Army personnel, and had met with offenders immediately before the attack. He was also in touch with the offenders before and after the attack," an NIA statement said.

Anal had actually been arrested on June 11, merely seven days after the attack, by Imphal West district police commandoes in a search operation. The operation, carried out in some suspected houses in the Lamphel Super Market area of Imphal, led to Anal's arrest.

Anal is a resident of Lambung village in Chandel district and has regional command of Amamchat region.

Another operation at Sagolband Salam Leikai in Imphal led to the arrest of Panmei Kalingong alias Kaling, an active member of NSCN(K) hailing from Chingkhoulong village of Tamenglong district.