Kuki Revolutionary Army Chief, UKLF Leader Move Supreme Court Seeking Transfer Of Trial From Manipur To Assam

The Supreme Court today(3rd November) stayed the trial in a missing arms case against Kuki Revolutionary Army Chief David Hangshing and United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) leader Lhunkhoson Haokip while issuing notice on their plea to transfer the case from Manipur to Assam.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal issued notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) returnable on January 12, 2024. The petitioners filed the petition under Section 406 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking transfer of the trial away from Manipur to Assam owing to the recent ethnic clashes and deteriorating law and order situation.

This high-profile Arms pilferage case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which registered the case under sections 120(B) and 409 IPC and Section 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The agency filed a chargesheet in 2019 where petitioners were arrayed as Accused No. 10 and 11.

In 2018, firearms went missing from the 2nd Manipur Rifles which were allegedly sold to various separatist outfits including the Kuki Revolutionary Army and the United Kuki Liberation Front.  The prosecution alleged that petitioners were involved in a conspiracy to sell firearms to separatist outfits. While Petitioner No. 1(David Hangshing) got bail in 2019, the petitioner no.2 got bail in 2022. Charges were framed against them in 2022.

The prosecution had already examined 48 witnesses on 03.05.2023. However, the trial's progress has been marred by recent ethnic clashes in the state. Consequently, the case was adjourned multiple times due to the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.

The petitioners voiced apprehensions of threat to their life if they visit Imphal to attend the trial since it is dominated by another community. 

The plea for the case transfer seeks to ensure the safety of the petitioners and a more accessible, secure, and transparent legal process.

The next date for the hearing is on 11th January 2024.

Case title: David Hangshing v. NIA

Citation: T.P.(Crl.) No. 000671 - / 2023

For Petitioners: M/S. Veritas Legis, AOR, Adv. Ms. Devahuti Tamuli

For Respondent: Mr. Vikramjeet Banerjee, A.S.G.