NIA files chargesheet against 10 in Mizoram arms trafficking case linked to Myanmar insurgents

AIZAWL: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially filed a chargesheet against 10 individuals in connection with a major arms and explosives seizure in Mizoram, a case that has been linked to insurgent groups based in Myanmar.

The chargesheet outlines the accused individuals' roles in a trafficking network that operated along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The NIA's investigation identified the accused as active participants in the illicit network that trafficked arms, ammunition, and explosives.

They have been charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.

Key evidence in the investigation included batch numbers and QR codes found on the seized explosives, which led the NIA to Albarin Explotech, a Guwahati-based explosives company.

The chargesheet was presented before the NIA Special Court in Aizawl, Mizoram, and names the accused as Lalrintluanga, Laldinpuia, Zoremsanga, Lalbiaktluanga, Lalrinsanga, Zothanmawia, Henry Siangnuna, J Rohlupuia, Laldinsanga, and David Lalramsanga. Among these, some individuals have been identified as absconders from Myanmar.

This case originated in May 2022, following the seizure of a substantial cache of explosives, firearms, and ammunition from two vehicles on the outskirts of Kelsih Village in the Kulikawn Police Station area of Aizawl district.

Four occupants of the vehicles were arrested at the time.

The NIA's investigation uncovered a conspiracy involving insurgents from Myanmar and their associates in both Myanmar and Mizoram.

The group allegedly conspired to procure arms, ammunition, and explosives to support militia groups fighting against the Myanmar government.

A key figure in this conspiracy was identified as a Myanmar national based in Aizawl, Lalrinsanga, who coordinated the illegal trafficking of arms and explosives into Myanmar.

Lalrinsanga reportedly collaborated with licensed explosive dealers David Lalramsanga and C. Laldinsanga, along with associates Lalbiaktluanga and Zothanmawia, to procure large quantities of explosives.

The other accused were also implicated in the supply of illegal arms and ammunition to the Myanmar insurgents, according to the NIA's findings.

The investigation also revealed that arms dealers in Aizawl played a critical role in this conspiracy by regularly facilitating the transfer of illegal supplies to Myanmar nationals visiting Mizoram.