NIA takes over Manipur arms seizure case

New Delhi, July 4: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the arrest of two Manipur residents for carrying arms and ammunition, the agency said on Wednesday.

The agency re-registered the case under the Arms Act on July 1 in compliance with a Union Home Ministry order. 

The case was originally registered on May 22 at Ukhrul Police Station in Manipur, a day after Assam Rifles intercepted a vehicle carrying a cache of arms and ammunition concealed in handbags.

On May 21, based on inputs, the Assam Rifles checked a white Maruti Gypsy, which was moving from Ukhrul towards Imphal, near Lower Hungdung. Upon its search, two German rifles, one semi-automatic shotgun and three pistols and ammunition were recovered. 

The occupants of the vehicle -- two Manipur residents, identified as Honpam Chithung and Mathu Manohar -- were arrested on charges of procurement and supply of arms and ammunition to insurgent groups.