Manipur: Suspected PLA ‘captain’ wanted in 2021 Assam Rifles ambush case arrested

A suspected insurgent wanted in connection with the 2021 Assam Rifles ambush in Manipur has been arrested, security officials said. He was wanted in connection with the 2021 ambush that killed Assam Rifles Commanding Officer Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife, young son and four other personnel.

Thiyam Boycha Singh alias Balin, 28, was apprehended during a joint operation by the Thoubal District Police Commandos and 11 Assam Rifles at Lilong Ushoipokpi in Thoubal district on Saturday.

Security agencies identified Singh as a self-styled “captain” of the outlawed People's Liberation Army (PLA). A resident of Bishnupur Ward No. 8, he was arrested following intelligence inputs about his presence in the area. 

Singh is listed as Accused No. 3 in the National Investigation Agency's probe into the November 13, 2021, ambush and had been declared an absconder. 

Police said preliminary questioning indicated that Singh was allegedly part of the group that carried out the attack on the convoy of 46 Assam Rifles near Sehken village in the Behiang area of Churachandpur district. The ambush killed Colonel Tripathi, then the Commanding Officer of 46 Assam Rifles, along with his wife Anuja and their young son Abeer. Four other Assam Rifles personnel were also killed in one of the deadliest insurgent attacks on security forces in the state in recent years. 

The Centre handed over the investigation to the NIA on November 26, 2021, and the agency registered the case the following day. 

According to the NIA's FIR, the attackers used arms and explosives to target the convoy. Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife Anuja and their son Abeer were killed in the attack. Four other Assam Rifles personnel also died, while six personnel were injured.

The case was registered under provisions of the IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. The offences included waging war against the government, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous hurt. The NIA's FIR did not identify individual accused at that stage.

In January 2022, the NIA announced cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of 10 wanted cadres of the PLA and Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF), which the agency linked to the attack.

The reward list included two accused carrying Rs 8 lakh each, one carrying Rs 6 lakh, and seven others carrying Rs 4 lakh each. Balin was among those for whom the NIA had announced a Rs 4 lakh reward.

The other accused named in that category were Lt. Khaba, Lt. Khwairakpa, Lt. Nongyai alias Nongphai, Cpl Joseph, Lt. Rocky, Lt. Balin and Lt. Kanta alias Santa. 

According to the Assam Rifles, initial questioning indicated that Singh had undergone PLA training and stayed for a prolonged period at a camp in Myanmar. He was also allegedly involved in the procurement and transfer of war-like stores and maintained links with other militant groups.

These allegations relate to the preliminary findings following his arrest and remain subject to further investigation. 

The Army's Eastern Command described Singh as a key accused in the 2021 Churachandpur ambush. Investigators are questioning him about his alleged role in the attack and his links with others involved in the case.