NIA Arrests Militant Linked to Gruesome Manipur Killing

The National Investigation Agency has arrested Rajkumar Maipaksana, a militant associated with a banned group, in Kerala. He is linked to the brutal murder of a woman and the arson of homes in Manipur's Jiribam district. This incident is part of a larger wave of violence that has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. The NIA is actively pursuing further suspects as investigations continue into this tragic event. The unrest began following a protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status, leading to significant ethnic tensions in the region. Read on to learn more about the ongoing situation and the implications of these arrests.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 19, 2025, 17:38 IST

Militant Arrested in Kerala

New Delhi: Officials reported that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a member of a banned militant organization in Kerala, linked to the horrific murder of a woman and the arson of homes in Jiribam district, Manipur, last year.

Rajkumar Maipaksana was taken into custody in Kannur district and has been placed in transit remand by the NIA special court in Kochi, pending his appearance before the NIA court in Imphal.

Originally from Jiribam, Rajkumar is affiliated with the outlawed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), according to a statement from the investigative agency.

He played a significant role in the incident where Zosangkim, a woman, was killed, and numerous houses were looted and set ablaze in Zairawn village in November 2024.

Last week, the NIA also detained two other militants from different groups in connection with this case.

The agency is actively pursuing further investigations and is on the lookout for additional suspects involved in this heinous act.

The 31-year-old victim, who died on November 7, endured severe torture, suffering 99 percent burns, as detailed in her autopsy report.

The report indicated that many of her body parts were missing, and due to extensive charring, vital viscera could not be collected for chemical analysis.

Notably, her right upper limb and parts of both lower limbs, along with facial features, were reported missing.

Since May 2023, over 260 individuals have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to ongoing violence between the Meitei community in the Imphal valley and the Kuki-Zo groups in the hills.

Following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the Centre imposed President's Rule in Manipur on February 13 this year.

The unrest began after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was held in the hill districts to oppose the Meitei community's request for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Jiribam, an ethnically diverse area that had largely remained peaceful, experienced violence after the discovery of a mutilated farmer's body in a field in June last year.

The Meitei community constitutes approximately 53 percent of Manipur's population, primarily residing in the Imphal valley, while the tribal groups, including Nagas and Kukis, make up just over 40 percent and live in the hill districts.