Protests Erupt in Moreh Following Arrest Linked to Police Officer's Murder

Tensions Rise in Moreh After Key Arrest

Imphal, May 1: The recent apprehension of a significant suspect by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in relation to the 2023 murder of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anandakumar Singh has ignited new unrest in the border town of Moreh, prompting protests and a complete shutdown on Thursday.

The NIA has named the suspect as Otkhothang Baite, also referred to as Othang Baite, who resides in Moreh, located in Tengnoupal district.

According to the agency, he is believed to have played a role in a conspiracy associated with an assault by suspected Kuki militants on a police team at a local playground on October 31, 2023, amid significant ethnic strife in the region.

During this attack, SDPO Chingtham Anandakumar Singh was shot in the abdomen and later died from his injuries. The Moreh police initially registered a case, which was subsequently taken over by the NIA in March 2024.

The NIA indicated that the conspiracy aimed to instill fear within the community.

Additionally, another suspect, Kamginthang Gangte, was detained earlier this month in connection with the ongoing investigation, designated as case RC-02/2024/NIA/IMP.

However, the arrest has led to significant backlash from the community.

Following the news of the arrest, the Kuki Women Union & Human Rights (KWU&HR) in Moreh initiated an emergency shutdown around 3:05 pm.

Protests escalated as numerous women gathered and approached the Moreh Police Station, demanding the immediate release of the accused, whom they referred to as a village volunteer.

The situation intensified later in the evening when demonstrators also marched to the Tengnoupal district administration offices, expressing their discontent.

Reports indicate that the atmosphere in the town remains charged, with local groups denouncing the arrest as unfair and calling for the suspect's release.