Kuki militant leader involved in Sapermaina bridge bombing arrested from Guwahati

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 14, 2024

LS Yosef Chongloi (34), a suspected leader of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and self-styled finance secretary of the insurgent group, was arrested on Saturday evening in Basistha, Guwahati. Chongloi, who hails from Churachandpur district in Manipur, is suspected of involvement in various anti-social activities in the border areas of Assam and Manipur.

His arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address insurgent activities and maintain security in the region. The UKNA has been known for its involvement in militant activities in the northeastern states, and the arrest of a high-ranking member could provide crucial information and insights into the group’s operations.

According to the police, a team from the Special Task Force (STF) conducted an operation in the Beltola area under Basistha Police Station in Guwahati on Saturday evening. The operation carried out based on secret inputs and under the direction of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), led to the arrest of LS Yosef Chongloi (34).

Chongloi, identified as the self-styled Finance Secretary of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), is suspected of being involved in various sabotage activities targeting the state. His alleged activities include the recent bomb blast that destroyed the Sapermaina bridge on NH-2 and an armed attack on an IOCL convoy in Tamenglang, Manipur.

LS Yosef Chongloi was arrested in connection with STF PS Case Number 15/2024. The charges against him include Section 147 (Rioting), Section 148 (Rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), Section 149 (Every member of an unlawful assembly guilty of an offence committed in prosecution of the common object), Section 150 (Extent of unlawful assembly) and read with Section 16 (Punishment for terrorism) read with Section 17 (Punishment for raising funds for terrorist acts), Section 18 (Punishment for conspiracy to commit terrorism) and Section 20 (Punishment for being a member of a terrorist gang or organization) of BNS 2023.

Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), the specific charges are Section 16 (Punishment for terrorism), Section 17 (Punishment for raising funds for terrorist acts), Section 18 (Punishment for conspiracy to commit terrorism) and Section 20 (Punishment for being a member of a terrorist gang or organization).