The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested 10 accused in connection with six separate cases linked to ethnic violence in Manipur, in a coordinated multi-location operation carried out with Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) across several districts of the state.
The searches and arrests were conducted in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Chandel and Pherzawl districts. According to the NIA, the operation was based on extensive intelligence inputs and technical surveillance, supported by ground-level investigation carried out in coordination with state and central security agencies.
A statement issued by the agency said the arrested individuals were actively involved in multiple incidents of violence during the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur. These include attacks on security personnel, looting of arms and ammunition, and bank robberies carried out during periods of intense clashes between communities.
The NIA said the objective of the operation was to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for organised criminal and insurgent activities linked to the violence. The agency also indicated that the arrests are expected to provide crucial leads regarding the planning, execution and support structures behind the incidents.
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Investigators are now examining possible linkages between the different cases, as well as the role of various individuals and groups allegedly involved in coordinating or facilitating the violence. The agency said it is also probing whether there are wider networks operating across communities that may have contributed to the escalation of unrest in the state.
The coordinated action marks part of the NIA’s broader effort to tighten its probe into multiple cases arising from the ethnic conflict that has affected Manipur since May 2023. The violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups has left more than 260 people dead and displaced thousands, with large-scale destruction of property and repeated clashes reported across affected districts.
Officials said the agency will continue its investigation to establish the full chain of events and identify all individuals involved in the cases. Further arrests are likely as the probe expands based on evidence gathered during the latest operation.
The NIA reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability in cases related to organised violence and maintaining close coordination with state police and central forces to restore stability in the region.
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