Ukhrul: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said it arrested one person on Saturday following searches in gun shops and other locations in Mizoram, in connection with an arms, ammunition trafficking, and explosives smuggling case.
In a statement made public on Saturday, NIA said a total of six locations, including two gun shops, were extensively searched in the Aizawl district of Mizoram, leading to the arrest of Solomona, also known as Hminga. During the crackdown, a large quantity of explosive materials, ammunition, digital devices, documents, and other incriminating materials were seized.
NIA also said, Solomona is the second person to be arrested in this case (RC-31/2023/NIA/DLI), which involves the trafficking of arms, ammunition, and explosives in the Northeastern States. The case was registered on December 26, 2023, under various sections of the IPC, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, and UA(P) Act, following credible information about a large-scale illegal arms, ammunition, and explosives supply network operating in the northeastern region of the country.
“NIA investigations have revealed that the accused had established a network in the bordering areas of Myanmar and Mizoram to procure and transfer arms and ammunition and smuggle explosives into Mizoram and Manipur from across the Myanmar border,” the statement said.
Laigaihawma was earlier arrested in this case, NIA said. It also revealed that his associate, Lalmuanawma, also known as Mangliana, who is still absconding, is originally from Myanmar. With the help of their Myanmar-based associates, they were supplying arms, ammunition, and explosives in Mizoram and Manipur. Investigations have also indicated that they were involved in sending supplies of arms and ammunition to Myanmar-based armed groups
Further, NIA stated that investigations have revealed that hawala channels were being used to transfer payments for arms and ammunition trafficking. The NIA continues to probe the case to dismantle the entire network involved in this illegal operation.