Manipur violence case: Delhi court extends custody of Seiminlun Gangte for 8 days

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• Oct 3, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had accused Gangte of being part of an international conspiracy aimed at waging war against the Government of India under the...

Digital Desk: Delhi's Patiala House Court has extended the custody of Seminlun Gangte, an accused in the Manipur violence case, by eight days following his arrest in Manipur on October 1. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had accused Gangte of being part of an international conspiracy aimed at waging war against the Government of India under the pretext of Manipur violence.

Gangte, who was arrested in Manipur and subsequently transported to Delhi on transit remand, had initially been remanded to the NIA for two days on Sunday. Today, after hearing arguments from both the NIA and the accused's legal representatives, Special NIA Judge Sachin Gupta extended his custody for an additional eight days.

In a significant development during the court proceedings, the special judge ordered the NIA to provide a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to the accused's attorney. Furthermore, the judge allowed the attorney to visit Gangte in NIA custody on alternate days, ensuring due process in the legal proceedings.

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The case revolves around allegations that leaders of terror organizations based in Myanmar and Bangladesh conspired to launch a transnational assault on India. The NIA, which initiated the case on July 19, 2023, in Delhi, has asserted that these groups collaborated with certain militant leaders in India to foment violence, exacerbate ethnic tensions, and ultimately wage war against the Indian government.

To carry out their nefarious plans, the terror leadership allegedly provided funds for procuring arms, ammunition, and other terrorist hardware. These materials were sourced both from across the border and from other terrorist outfits active in the northeastern states of India, with a specific focus on fueling ethnic strife in Manipur.

The NIA has invoked various statutes, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and anti-terrorism legislation, to investigate the case thoroughly. During today's proceedings, the duty magistrate raised a question about jurisdiction, given the case's complex nature and the involvement of special acts.

In response, the public prosecutor clarified that the accused's detention was authorized until Tuesday to facilitate his appearance before the special judge, affirming the importance of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

As the NIA delves deeper into the case, more revelations and developments are expected in the coming days, shedding light on the alleged transnational conspiracy and its implications for national security.