SC transfers trial against Kuki rebel leaders from Manipur to Assam

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court, on Monday (April 29), decided to shift the trial of an arms theft case involving Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) chief David Hangshing and United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) leader Lhunkhoson Haokip from Manipur to Assam.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the transfer of the 2018 case, currently pending in Manipur, to the special NIA court in Guwahati, Assam.

Earlier, on April 22, the Supreme Court had indicated its intent to move the case out of Manipur and instructed additional solicitor general Vikramjeet Banerjee to propose a suitable venue for the trial outside the state.

In compliance with this directive, the ASG suggested Guwahati in Assam, as a feasible alternative.

However, he clarified that this suggestion shouldn't be construed as a concession.

Consequently, the Supreme Court ordered the transfer of the case to the special NIA court in Guwahati, Assam.

It directed all parties involved to appear before the special court in Guwahati, Assam on the morning of June 3, 2024.

In 2018, a theft of 56 pistols and 58 magazines occurred at the Director General Pool Armory within the premises of the 2nd Manipur Rifles Battalion.

The prosecution alleges that the stolen firearms were sold to certain separatist groups, with the petitioners allegedly involved in a conspiracy to sell the weapons.

The petitioners are accused of receiving some of the stolen firearms from Manipur BJP MLA Yamthong Haokip.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case against the petitioners under Sections 120B/409 IPC and Section 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Subsequently, charges were framed under IPC, UAPA, and the Arms Act.

Although the petitioners are currently out on bail, they sought the transfer of the case outside Manipur due to concerns about their safety and security following ethnic violence in the state.

In November 2023, while considering their transfer plea, the Supreme Court stayed the trial against the petitioners.