Northeast Desk, August 31, 2024 — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 10 individuals in connection with a major arms and explosives trafficking case linked to Myanmar-based insurgent groups. The chargesheet was submitted to the NIA Special Court in Aizawl, Mizoram, following a thorough investigation into the cross-border trafficking network.
The accused, identified as Lalrintluanga, Laldinpuia, Zoremsanga, Lalbiaktluanga, Lalrinsanga, Zothanmawia, Henry Siangnuna, J Rohlupuia, Laldinsanga, and David Lalramsanga, have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and Explosive Substance Act. The charges also extend to absconders based in Myanmar who were allegedly part of the conspiracy.
The case originated in May 2022 after law enforcement agencies seized a large cache of explosives, firearms, and ammunition from two vehicles near Kelsih Village in Aizawl district. The four occupants of the vehicles were arrested, leading to the uncovering of a broader conspiracy.
According to the NIA’s findings, the accused were part of a sophisticated network that conspired with Myanmar insurgents to smuggle arms and explosives across the Indo-Myanmar border. The smuggling operation was intended to support the armed struggle of militia groups against the Myanmar government.
Central to the conspiracy was Aizawl-based Myanmar national Lalrinsanga, who collaborated with licensed explosive dealers David Lalramsanga and C Laldinsanga. They, along with their associates, procured large quantities of explosives from Guwahati-based firm Albarin Explotech. The arms and explosives were then transported to insurgent groups in Myanmar.
The investigation revealed that the arms dealers in Aizawl played a critical role in facilitating the illegal transfers, often handing over the contraband to Myanmar nationals who frequently visited Mizoram.
The chargesheet marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the arms trafficking network operating along the Indo-Myanmar border. The NIA continues to pursue leads related to other conspirators involved in the case.