The National Investigation Agency has announced the arrest of 3 insurgents connected to the January 17, 2024, ambush on security forces in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, Manipur.
The deadly assault claimed the lives of 2 police commandos and left several others injured.
Key Orchestrator Apprehended
On May 19, 2025, the NIA detained Thangminlen Mate, a resident of Tengnoupal district and a member of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT) group. Mate is accused of playing a pivotal role in planning and executing the raid on the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) post in Moreh. Following his arrest in Silchar, Assam, he was presented before the NIA Special Court in Guwahati, which remanded him in custody until May 28.
Two More Insurgents Taken Into Custody
On June 6, the agency arrested Kamginthang Gangte, affiliated with the Kuki National Army (KNA), and Hentinthang Kipgen (also known as Thangneo Kipgen) of the Village Volunteers group based in Churachandpur district. Both suspects were apprehended in Imphal and have since been transferred to the NIA Special Court in Guwahati for further legal proceedings.
Allegations & Conspiracy
According to the NIA’s press release, the three men “planned, conspired and executed the attack on an IRB post and security forces in Moreh.” Investigators believe the group’s operations were coordinated, with Mate acting as the chief strategist. The simultaneous arrests in Assam and Manipur underscore the agency’s extensive intelligence and inter-state cooperation.
Background
On the morning of January 17, 2024, insurgents launched a surprise attack on an IRB camp in Moreh, a key border town adjoining Myanmar. The exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of two elite police commandos. Several security personnel were wounded before reinforcements secured the site. The incident heightened tensions in the region and triggered a multi-agency probe.
The NIA continues to comb through evidence linking the arrested suspects to the broader network of Kuki insurgent outfits. Forensic teams are analyzing recovered weapons and communication devices. “The investigation remains active, and further arrests are not ruled out,” the release stated.
While Mate remains in judicial custody until the end of May, Gangte and Kipgen await their first hearings in Guwahati. Authorities are expected to formally file charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the coming weeks.
Regional Security Implications
Moreh’s strategic importance as a gateway to Southeast Asia has made it a focal point for both cross-border trade and insurgent activity. The NIA’s recent operation sends a strong message that coordinated militancy will be met with swift legal action. Local officials have praised the arrests, noting that they will help restore public confidence in security operations and deter future attacks.
As the judicial process unfolds, the NIA has urged anyone with information related to the Moreh attack or other insurgent activities to come forward and assist in the ongoing inquiry.
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