NIA arrests NSCN(K) top leader for alleged role in conspiracy behind the killing of 18 Army men in Manipur

New Delhi: In a major breakthrough the National Investigation Agency on Monday claimed to have arrested a top leader of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) allegedly involved in the conspiracy behind the killing of 18 Army personnel in Manipur on the Indo-Myanmar border.

The 40-year-old Khumlo Abi Anal has been sent to nine days in police remand. He allegedly met several people before the attack and mapped the area a week before the ambush.

Confirming the arrest to CNN-IBN, the NIA Director General said, "I confirm the arrest of Manipur ambush accused NSCN-K leader Khumlo Abi Anal and he has been brought to Delhi on transit remand. He has been taken on police remand. We are hopeful of achieving a breakthrough in the case soon."

The Indian Army had earlier killed at least 20 terrorists belonging to Northeast insurgent groups who had ambushed a convoy of 6 Dogra Regiment in Chandel district of Manipur on June 4.

Special Forces in coordination with the Indian Air Force had launched a daring operation to neutralise insurgents near the Indo-Myanmar border.

The ambush on the 6 Dogra Regiment convoy, which was being deinducted from the area, was carried out by terror groups active on the Tengnoupal-New Samtal road between Paralong and Charong villages at about 9 AM on June 4, about 80 km from Manipur capital Imphal.

The army truck carrying soldiers and fuel was first hit by a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) following which the terrorists used rocket propelled grenades and automatic assault rifles to pin down the soldiers resulting in the heaviest casualty suffered by the force in over three decades. Eleven other soldiers were injured in the ambush.

Naga insurgent outfit NSCN along with Manipuri outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy.

In a press conference addressed by senior official, Additional Director General of Military Operations (A) Major General Randhir Singh had assured the country that "any threat to our security, safety and national integrity will meet a firm response".