The recent arrest of a Kuki National Army (Burma) cadre, a Myanmarese national, by Assam Rifles has confirmed suspicions of foreign involvement in the ongoing Manipur crisis, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Biren Singh remarked, “As the chief minister, I have consistently claimed that the present crisis is fuelled by foreign elements.” He expressed gratitude to Assam Rifles for apprehending the foreign national, along with evidence linking him to arms supply operations aiding militants in Manipur.

The detained individual, identified as Thanglinkap, son of Ngampao, is a Myanmarese citizen hailing from Kolang, Khampat, Myanmar. He was arrested in Chandel district, and is accused of conducting reconnaissance missions along jungle routes from Moreh, near the Indo-Myanmar border, to the Kuki-majority district of Churachandpur, with the purpose of supplying arms.

Biren acknowledged that some segments of the public had initially doubted the presence of foreign elements in the conflict but noted that the arrest provides concrete evidence.

In a separate development, the Manipur government has lifted the suspension of internet and mobile data services, including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadband, and VPN services, in several districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The suspension had been imposed as a preventive measure in the wake of the ongoing crisis.

A government order issued on Monday stated that the decision was made after reviewing the law and order situation, adding that the suspension had been implemented in good faith to protect public safety. The government also urged internet users to avoid any activities that might lead to future service suspensions.

Additionally, the state government announced that normal classes in educational institutions, including private and government-aided schools and colleges, as well as central institutions, would resume as per two separate orders issued on the same day.

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