Weapons supplied from Mizoram to Manipur via Myanmar, says NIA

Guwahati: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday said that a racket in Mizoram procured weapons and supplied those to Myanmar and from there to conflict-torn Manipur for use in "violent disruptive activities." 

The agency said this in a supplementary chargesheet filed on Thursday against Solomona, a resident of Mizoram, in connection with a case related to illegal arms and ammunition supply case involving several states including Manipur.     

"Investigations revealed that Solomona, along with Lalngaihawma, Lalmuanawma and others, was involved in  the criminal conspiracy of procurement and supply of arms, ammunition and explosive materials to Myanmar, and from there to Manipur, for use in violent disruptive activities aimed at promoting enmity between different groups," the NIA said in a statement issued related to the chargesheets filed in a special NIA court in New Delhi. The charge sheet was filed against Solomona under sections of Unlawful (Activities Prevention) Act and Arms Act.  

The agency had, on July 30 this year filed a chargesheet against Lalngaihawma.

"Solomona was found in possession of prohibited  arms  and ammunition without license. He  was also engaged in raising funds in furtherance of the criminal conspiracy and had purchased arms and ammunition for supplying the same for use in unlawful and terror activities in the North-Eastern states," said the statement.

This assumes significance as the Manipur government as well as several organisations representing the Meitei organisations claimed that "Kuki-Zo insurgents" got weapons from Myanmar. Both Mizoram and Manipur share borders with Myanmar.