Imphal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the robbery of Rs 18.85 crore from a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Manipur in 2023.
According to the NIA’s FIR, the robbery occurred on November 30, 2023, at the PNB, Viewland, in Ukhrul.
The robbery was allegedly carried out by armed cadres of the eastern faction of the NSCN/IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Isak Muivah), led by self-styled Lt Col (then Major) P Joseph alias P Jackson from Roni village in Kamjong district. The group reportedly intended to procure sophisticated weapons to strengthen its operations in Myanmar.
The case was registered following an order by the Union Home Ministry dated September 3, 2025.
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It said that three hardcore cadres of the NSCN/IM, including Joseph, were arrested by Nagaland Police from Dimapur on July 30, 2025, and handed over to Manipur Police the next day.
