30th September 2023,Mumbai: NIA Unearths a Transnational Conspiracy
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently made a significant arrest in Churachandpur, Manipur, revealing a transnational conspiracy orchestrated by leadership from Myanmar and Bangladesh-based terror outfits. This conspiracy aimed to exploit the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur and wage war against India, marking a crucial development in national security.
Seiminlun Gangte: The Accused
Seiminlun Gangte, the individual apprehended by the NIA, is believed to be a key player in this conspiracy. His arrest on a Saturday sent shockwaves through the region, shedding light on a clandestine network with far-reaching implications for India’s security. The federal anti-terror probe agency initiated its investigation on July 19, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
A Complex Web of Conspiracy
The NIA’s investigation has unveiled a complex web of conspiracy involving militant groups from Myanmar and Bangladesh collaborating with certain Indian militant leaders. Their objective is to incite violence, creating divisions among ethnic groups within Manipur and ultimately declaring war against the Indian government. To achieve this sinister goal, the foreign leadership has been funneling funds to procure weapons and ammunition, sourcing them both from across the border and from existing terrorist organizations in India’s northeastern states.
Moirangthem Anand Singh: A Parallel Arrest
Just days before Gangte’s arrest, the NIA took into custody another key player in this conspiracy, Moirangthem Anand Singh. Singh’s arrest on September 24 and subsequent transfer to Delhi further underscored the gravity of the situation. He had initially been apprehended by the Manipur Police on September 16, along with four others, for possessing weapons and allegedly wearing camouflaged uniforms. Singh, a former cadre of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur, adds another layer to this unfolding drama.
Origins of Manipur’s Ethnic Unrest
The roots of the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur can be traced back to May 3, when clashes erupted in Churachandpur town. Tribal groups protested against proposed changes to the state’s reservation matrix, particularly the granting of scheduled tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. The violence quickly spread throughout the state, exposing deep-seated ethnic fault lines. Tens of thousands of people fled their homes and neighborhoods, often crossing state borders and taking refuge in the jungles.
A State Divided
The clashes in Manipur have effectively partitioned the state, with the dominant Meitei community residing in the plains (comprising 53% of the state’s population) and the tribal Kuki group inhabiting the hill districts (making up 16% of the state). This division has intensified the conflict, leading to a grim tally of at least 175 fatalities and the displacement of approximately 50,000 individuals. The situation remains a critical challenge for both state and central authorities.
The NIA’s recent arrests In the Manipur conspiracy case shed light on the intricacies of a transnational terror plot aimed at exploiting ethnic unrest to destabilize India. Seiminlun Gangte and Moirangthem Anand Singh’s apprehensions underscore the urgency of addressing this issue. Meanwhile, Manipur continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of ethnic clashes, necessitating a concerted effort to restore peace and security in the region.
-by Kashvi Gala