NIA Makes First Arrest in Manipur Civilian Killings
New Delhi, June 9th, 2024: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made its first arrest in connection with the brutal killings of four civilians in Manipur’s Bishnupur district in January 2024.
Lunminsei Kipgen, a resident of Manipur, was arrested on Saturday from Central Jail, Lokhra, Guwahati, Assam. The NIA formally arrested Kipgen under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act.
The killings took place on January 18th, 2024, near a water treatment plant in Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou. Armed assailants opened fire with sophisticated weapons, tragically killing four civilians.
“Lunminsei Kipgen is the first accused to be arrested for the gruesome killings that had taken place on
18th January 2024, when armed miscreants had brutally murdered four civilians near the water treatment plant located Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou, Bishnupur. The assailants had opened indiscriminate fire from sophisticated weapons, leading to the tragic death of the civilians on the fateful afternoon.” said NIA in a statement.
The NIA registered the case (RC-01/2024/NIA/IMP) in February 2024 and their investigation revealed Kipgen’s alleged involvement. Authorities believe the attack is linked to the ongoing ethnic unrest and violence plaguing Manipur.
According to the NIA, Kipgen was previously a member of the Kuki militant group KNF (P) but switched allegiance to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) during the recent surge in violence. He is suspected of participating in the murders.
