ED Attaches Rs 50 Crore Assets in Manipur Secessionist Crackdown
ED Attaches Rs 50 Crore Assets in Manipur Secessionist Case

ED Cracks Down on Manipur Secessionist Elements with Major Asset Attachment

In a significant move against secessionist activities in Manipur, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets valued at over Rs 50 crore. This action targets properties linked to self-proclaimed leaders Yambem Biren, who declared himself the "Chief Minister of the Manipur state council," and Narengbam Samarjit, his so-called "foreign and defence minister." Both individuals are under investigation by multiple central agencies for alleged anti-India activities and waging war against the state.

Details of the Asset Attachment

The ED's Imphal unit issued its third attachment order, seizing properties worth more than Rs 50.8 crore belonging to the Salai group of companies and the Smart Society group. These groups are accused of collecting substantial funds from the public by promising a 36% return on investments. The probe revealed that the funds were allegedly used to support secessionist agendas.

Background of the Case

Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjit had publicly declared the "independence of Manipur" from India, a case that is currently being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The ED's investigation uncovered that the accused orchestrated a scheme through the Salai and Smart Society groups to amass large sums of money under false pretenses.

Key Points of the Investigation:
  • The ED has attached assets exceeding Rs 50 crore in connection with secessionist activities in Manipur.
  • Properties of Yambem Biren and Narengbam Samarjit are included in the attachment.
  • Both individuals are probed for anti-India activities and allegedly waging war against the state.
  • The NIA is investigating the declaration of Manipur's independence from India.
  • Funds were collected from the public with promises of high returns through the Salai and Smart Society groups.

This crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts by central agencies to curb secessionist movements and financial fraud in the region. The attachment of assets is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the economic foundations of such activities.