The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is looking into the case of Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chingtham Anand Kumar’s murder. Nine people, including someone from Myanmar, got arrested, as mentioned by Chief Minister N Biren Singh during the Assembly session today. This happened when Congress MLA K Meghachandra drew the Chief Minister’s attention to the case.
Anand Kumar, who was the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Moreh, was shot dead on October 31 last year. He was overseeing the construction of a helipad when he was hit by a sniper bullet. Initially, two suspects, Philip Khaikholal Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate, were arrested.
During the Assembly session, Chief Minister N Biren Singh praised Anand Kumar’s dedication and fearlessness as a police officer. He expressed the sentiment that Anand Kumar’s killing was a loss not just for Manipur Police but for the entire state.
To address the challenge of sending reinforcements to Moreh after Anand Kumar’s death, the Defence and Home Ministry sent a helicopter for night operations. Security forces, during their operations to maintain law and order, arrested nine suspects in the police officer’s killing.
The NIA took over the case on January 31, re-registering it on February 9. Whether the arrested suspects are associated with militant organizations will be revealed after the NIA’s investigation.
Chief Minister Biren informed about the government’s efforts to strengthen police capabilities, including procuring 10 armored vehicles that can detect landmines. The government is also increasing allowances for frontline police commandos and those guarding vulnerable areas.
Ex-gratia and jobs are being provided to the next of kin of slain police personnel. The son of SDPO Anand Kumar has been appointed as ASI in the Manipur Police, with discussions ongoing about a possible rank upgrade.
Biren emphasized the government’s sincere efforts to restore Moreh’s cosmopolitan character by bringing back displaced people from all communities, including Meitei and Kuki, to their original places.
