Tensions Erupts In Morey Manipur As NIA Arrests Prime Accused In SDPO Murder Case.

Imphal; May 2026: The arrest of a key accused by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the 2023 killing of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anandakumar Singh has triggered fresh unrest in Manipur’s border town of Moreh, leading to protests and an emergency shutdown today from 05:00 Hours to 17:00 Hours IST.

In a statement issued yesterday, the NIA identified the accused as Otkhothang Baite, also known as Othang Baite, a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district. The agency stated that he was allegedly involved in a conspiracy linked to an attack by suspected Kuki militants on a district police team at a playground on October 31, 2023, during the peak of ethnic violence in the State.

“Moreh SDPO Chingtham Anandakumar Singh was hit by a bullet in his stomach in the attack and succumbed to his injuries. The Moreh police had registered a case, which was taken over by NIA in March 2024”, the NIA statement asserts.

NIOA has further reiterated that the conspiracy was aimed at spreading terror in the region. It also informed that another accused, Kamginthang Gangte, was arrested earlier this month in connection with the case. Investigation in case RC-02/2024/NIA/IMP is continuing. However, the arrest has sparked strong reactions on the ground. Shortly after news of the detention spread, the Kuki Women Union & Human Rights (KWU&HR), Moreh Block, enforced an emergency shutdown in the town from around 15:05 hours. Protests intensified as a large number of women gathered and stormed the Moreh Police Station, demanding the immediate release of the accused, whom they described as a village volunteer. The situation escalated further in the evening when protesters also marched to and stormed the Tengnoupal district administration offices. Sources said the town remained tense, with local organisations condemning the arrest as unjust and calling for his release.

Team Maverick.