Manipur ambush: NIA takes over probe, registers case

 National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Sunday registered a case to probe the killing of 18 army personnel in Chandel district of Manipur, an incident which has been described as the worst ever attack in recent times.

According to a NIA spokesperson, the case was registered in the agency's Guwahati branch under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The incident took place on June 4, when army trucks were attacked with 'Lathod guns' and grenades by suspected terrorists of NSCN (Khaplang) killing 18 army men and injuring 15 others in Moltung area of Chandel district.

The incident, representing an act of waging war against the Government of India, is alleged to have been executed by armed formations belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) and its affiliates active in North Eastern Region of India and along the Indo Myanmar border region, the spokesperson said.

"The conspiracy behind the attack is suspected to have been hatched by the top leadership of the NSCN (K) led by so-called chairman Khaplang Pangmi, Kughalu Molatonu and Alezo Chakesang besides other senior members of NSCN-Khaplang and other affiliate organisations," the spokesman said. The case on the incident was earlier registered by the Tengnoupal Police Station in the district.