New Delhi/Imphal, April 30 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested a prime accused in the 2023 killing of a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) during an ambush by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur, officials said.

The accused, Otkhothang Baite alias Othang Baite, a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, was allegedly involved in the conspiracy behind the attack carried out by members of a suspected Kuki militant group.

According to NIA sources, the ambush targeted a district police team at a playground.

The militants had opened fire on October 31, 2023, during the peak of ethnic violence in the state.

Moreh SDPO Chingtham Ananda Kumar Singh sustained a bullet injury to his stomach in the attack and later succumbed to his injuries.

Initially registered by the Moreh police, the case was taken over by the NIA in March 2024.

During the course of its investigation, the central agency found that the conspiracy was aimed at spreading terror in Manipur.

Earlier this month, the NIA had arrested another accused, Kamginthang Gangte, in connection with the same case.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had earlier said that a total of nine individuals, including a Myanmar national, have been arrested in connection with the SDPO’s killing.

The involvement of a foreign national prompted the intervention of the NIA, citing the presence of external elements in the case.

Following the incident, widespread protests erupted across the valley districts of Manipur after the slain police officer’s body was brought to Imphal.

Meanwhile, the NIA on March 18 filed charges against three cadres of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) terrorist outfit in connection with last year’s ambush on an Assam Rifles truck in the state, which resulted in the deaths of two paramilitary personnel.

The charge sheet, submitted before the NIA Special Court in Imphal, invokes provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The accused in that case have been identified as Thongram Sadananda Singh alias Ngachik alias Purakpa, Khundongbam Oji Meitei alias Keilal, and Irengbam Jugindra Meitei alias Jugin Meitei, all residents of Manipur who were previously arrested by law enforcement agencies.

The ambush on the 33 Assam Rifles truck occurred on September 19, 2025, at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district.

–IANS

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