NIA Nabs Prime Accused in Manipur SDPO Killing Amid Ongoing Unrest

The National Investigation Agency has arrested a key suspect in the 2023 killing of an SDPO by alleged Kuki militants in Manipur. This arrest is part of ongoing tension and protests in the region over militant violence, demanding justice for victims, including two minors recently killed in a bomb attack.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended a prime suspect involved in the 2023 murder of a Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in Manipur. The accused, Otkhothang Baite, alias Othang Baite, hails from Moreh in Tengnoupal district and is implicated in orchestrating the attack by Kuki militants on a district police unit during ethnic violence in October 2023.

Moreh SDPO Chingtham Anandakumar Singh suffered a fatal gunshot wound in the assault. The Moreh police initiated an investigation taken over by the NIA in March 2024. Their findings suggest a deliberate plot to instill terror in Manipur. Previously, NIA arrested Kamginthang Gangte, another suspect linked to the case.

Protests erupted earlier this week in Keishamthong over a separate incident, demanding justice for two minors killed in an April 7 militant attack in Moirang's Tronglaobi neighborhood. Demonstrators condemned Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and accused Kuki militants of involvement. Meira Paibi Lup's call for justice coincided with a statewide shutdown, leading to increased security deployment.