NIA files chargesheet against 3 Mizoram residents

Aizawl: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against three individuals from Mizoram in connection with a high-profile case involving the trafficking and distribution of illegal arms, ammunition, and explosives meant for insurgent groups operating in Northeast India. The accused—Vanlaldailova, Lalmuanpuia, and Lalrinchhunga alias Albert—were apprehended on December 6, 2024, after coordinated raids on their residences. The operations led to the seizure of a significant cache of illegal weapons and explosive materials, intensifying concerns over arms smuggling networks in the region. According to the NIA, the three played critical roles in aiding and abetting militant activities, particularly in the strife-torn state of Manipur, which has witnessed escalating ethnic violence in recent times. Investigators allege that the arms and explosives facilitated by the accused were supplied to various insurgent groups, contributing to unrest and undermining efforts to restore peace. The ongoing probe has revealed that the accused were not merely passive participants but active collaborators in a wider illegal arms network that spans across state and possibly international borders. Their involvement is believed to have significantly fueled violence and deepened instability across the northeastern belt. The supplementary chargesheet, filed under sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Arms Act, underscores the gravity of the offenses and the national security threat posed by such operations. The case is part of a broader crackdown by national security agencies on militant financing and logistics networks, particularly those exacerbating violence in Manipur and surrounding areas. Further investigations are ongoing to trace the full extent of the network and identify additional conspirators.