Finance Handler LS Yosef Chongloi Of United Kuki National Army UKNA Arrested By Assam STF, Sources Say

The accused, LS Yosef Chongloi, was responsible for managing finances as the “self-styled finance secretary” for the UKLA, according to sources from the STF. He is suspected to be involved in sabotage activities in Manipur and bordering areas of Assam. The UKLA is not included in the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in Manipur. The sabotage activities attributed to Chongloi include a bomb attack that destroyed a bridge on National Highway 2 in Saparmeina, Manipur, and an ambush on fuel tankers in Tamenglong.

He has been charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which are stringent anti-terror laws. The charges against him include waging war against the state, conspiracy against the state, collecting firearms, and concealing them to wage a war. The Assam Police and the STF have been actively conducting operations amid ethnic tensions in Manipur. During their operations, STF operatives recovered a significant amount of drone parts from Chongloi.

Additionally, another individual was arrested by the Assam STF for attempting to sneak into Manipur with 10 high-end drone batteries for a terror group. However, a filmmakers’ association of the Kuki tribes in Manipur refuted the allegations against Chongloi, describing him as a renowned member of the association who purchased the drone batteries for legitimate work. The police labeled the arrest of Chongloi as a “major breakthrough,” emphasizing the use of drones in the violence-affected region of Manipur.