Mizoram: NIA files charge-sheet in arms trafficking case linked to Myanmar insurgents

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charge-sheeted Lalngaihawma from Mizoram in a case involving the pan-India illegal arms and ammunition trafficking network linked with Myanmar-based insurgent groups.

The charge-sheet was filed on Tuesday before the NIA Special Court in New Delhi under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

According to an NIA statement issued on Wednesday, Lalngaihawma has been charged with active involvement in a trafficking network operating across the Northeast region and other parts of the country.

The case, registered as RC-31/2023/NIA/DLI on December 26, 2023, was based on inputs indicating that some entities in Mizoram were engaged in the illegal trafficking of arms, ammunition, and explosives.

Investigations have revealed that Lalngaihawma established strong linkages with insurgent groups based in Myanmar.

With their assistance, he received arms, ammunition, and explosives to supply to various insurgent and criminal groups in India.

Additionally, he secured substantial funds through multiple channels, including his associates in Myanmar.

The NIA further uncovered that Lalngaihawma had formed a nexus with licensed arms dealers, exploiting these connections to pilfer non-prohibited bore weapons and ammunition while also trafficking prohibited bore weapons.

Lalngaihawma, a resident of the Mami area in Mizoram, was apprehended on February 3, 2024, in Aizawl, Mizoram.

The NIA has stated that further investigations into the case are ongoing.