NIA charges key accused in major illegal arms supply case in Northeast India

NEW DELHI: National Investigation Agency ( NIA ) on Thursday chargesheeted a key accused in a major illegal arms and ammunition supply case, spanning several states of India, including the ethnic violence-hit Manipur and other parts of the northeast region.

The supplementary chargesheet, filed before the NIA Special Court, Patiala House, New Delhi, names Solomona @ Hminga @ Lalmithanga, a resident of Mizoram, under various sections of IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Arms Act.

Chargesheeted accused Lalngaihawma, Lalmuanawma, and others were allegedly part of a syndicate involved in trafficking of arms, ammunition, explosives etc. in the northeastern states, as per the case filed by NIA on Dec 26, 2023. The agency had filed a chargesheet against accused Lalngaihawma on July 30 this year.

NIA investigations had revealed that Solomona, along with Lalngaihawma, Lalmuanawma and others, was involved in the criminal conspiracy for procurement and supply of arms, ammunition and explosive material to Myanmar, and from there to Manipur, for use in violent disruptive activities aimed at promoting enmity between different groups.

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 supply and use in unlawful and terror activities in the northeastern states, as per NIA findings.