NIA court orders framing of charges against Manipur MLA in missing arms case

IMPHAL

The NIA (National Investigation Agency) Special Judge in Manipur on Monday framed charges against the Saikul Congress MLA Yamthong Haokip along with David Hangsing, chief of Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and nine others in connection with the stealing of fifty-six 9mm pistol and some fifty-nine magazines from the armoury of 2nd Manipur battalion.

It is said that the accused were charged under several sections of IPC (Indian Penal Code), UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and Arms Act.

The Congress MLA from Saikul in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, Yamthong Haokip, was arrested in August 2019 after a team of NIA found one of the missing pistols at the residence of the said sitting MLA.

The Congress MLA is currently out on bail citing health reasons.

The state government had handed over the case to the National Investigation Agency after terming the missing of the arms from the well-guarded armoury as a serious threat to both state and national security.

Besides Haokip and David, the others include Havildar Nellakattil Podiyan and rifleman Laishram Anilkumar of 2 BN Manipur Rifles, Ngamboi Haokip, Haobam Brojendro, Paonam Shantikumar Singh, Laishram Damudor, Talung Pung-phinamei, Mathurabasimayum Hiranjoy Sharma and Thokchom James.