Manipur: NIA Files Charge Sheet Against Myanmar National, 2 Others In Extortion Case By Terror Groups

The case pertains to extortion by members of banned terror outfits in Manipur.

Indian Army and police personnel patrol in Imphal ( Image Source :Getty )

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against three persons, including a Myanmar national, in a case of extortion by members of banned terror outfits in Manipur, ANI reported.

The accused belonged to proscribed terrorist organisations -- People's Revolutionary Army, Kangleipak Communist Party, PREPAK (People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak) and UNLF (United National Liberation Front), among others.

The accused have been identified as Deepak Sharma (38) alias Khinmaung of Myanmar, Suraj Jasiwal (33) of Manipur and Shaikhom Bruce Meetei (38) also of Manipur. They have been charged under Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. 

Deepak, who hails from Myanmar, has also been charged under the Foreigners Act.

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The NIA said the accused were raising and collecting funds through extortion to further the activities of these terrorist organisations.

A probe into their modus operandi revealed that the cadres of the banned outfits were making extortion calls to the people in Imphal and the Valley areas to raise funds for their organisations.

The cadres shared bank account details of their associates with the victims and instructed them to deposit the extortion money, ANI reported.

Recently, there has been a rise in extortion cases by militant groups in Manipur.

In March, three suspected militants belonging to various groups were apprehended, while two women arms dealers were also held, in separate operations by the state police and Assam Rifles.

One militant was arrested for allegedly extorting money in Arong Nongmaikhong area in Kakching district, PTI reported. The militant, identified as Salam Santa, belonged to the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

In the same month, Manipur Police also arrested two members of the banned PREPAK outfit from Sekmaijin Thongam area in Imphal West district, PTI reported. 

"The apprehended individuals were actively involved in extortion and carrying out subversive activities in the valley," a police statement said.

Two women arm dealers were also arrested from Heirok Part 2 area in Thoubal district. One 9 mm pistol (Glock) were also recovered from the women in the joint operation launched by the Assam Rifles and Manipur police teams.