NSCN-IM under NIA scanner

Guwahati, Dec. 24 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has zeroed in on two NSCN (I-M) members who had allegedly led the failed attempt to assassinate Manipur MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing in April this year.

The investigating agency, however, has not been able to collect enough material evidence to nail any of the accused.

“The NIA investigators have recorded the statements of the Manipur Rifles troopers who were injured in the ambush besides a couple of civilian witnesses in the case, and the needle of suspicion is being pointed at NSCN (I-M),” an official source said.

“Two NSCN (I-M) members — one of the rank of self-styled major and another of the rank of self-styled lieutenant — have been identified as the prime suspects who had led the ambush. The only problem is that the NIA has not been able to collect enough evidence to nail the accused in court,” he said.

The NIA investigation into the case suffered a setback when Keishing — an independent MLA from Phungyar Assembly constituency in Ukhrul district of Manipur — passed away in Imphal on October 8 following a cardiac arrest.

He said the investigation so far had ascertained that Keishing was targeted by the NSCN (I-M) for seeking upgrade of the Phungyar sub-division into a full-fledged district.

The MLA was the convener of Phungyar district demand committee.

“Keishing drew flak from the United Naga Council (UNC) and NSCN (I-M) for supporting creation of a separate Phungyar district out of Ukhrul, because they felt bifurcation of Ukhrul would deal a major blow to the ongoing efforts for the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. It seems to be the motive behind the bid on the Manipur MLA’s life,” the source said.

Even though Keishing had a providential escape, eight persons, including six Manipur Rifles personnel and two civilians, were killed in the attack that took place while the legislator was returning to Imphal after attending an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign at Riha village, around 40km from the Manipur capital, on April 15.

The Guwahati branch of the NIA registered a case (number 02/11) and took over the investigation. Manipur Police has initially registered the case at Litan police station in Ukhrul district in July this year in accordance with a Union home ministry directive.