KNF commander nabbed from Delhi's Dwarka

New Delhi, Sep 20
The Delhi Police’s Special Cell arrested the commander-in-chief of Manipur-based insurgent group Kuki National Front from Delhi’s Dwarka area on Monday.
Mangkholam Kigen, alias David, was arrested based on specific intelligence received by the Special Cell. Kigen heads the KNF, a proscribed militant group known for carrying out kidnappings, ransom, arms snatching from police, firing, extortion, robbery and other crimes.
A school dropout, Mangkholam came in contact with KNF cadres in his locality and joined them. Very soon, he came to be known as a notorious criminal in Manipur and is wanted for extortion, robbery, and dacoity.
Despite being a signatory to a suspension of operations pact by both the State and Central Government, the KNF’s activities continue unabated. Last month, two KNF cadres were arrested in Manipur for allegedly kidnapping a driver and demanding ransom from a woman in Kangpokpi district.
On ‘Sahnit Ni’, which is the Kuki people’s Black Day (Sept 13, 2021), the KNF had called for a complete shutdown in Manipur, including no vehicular movement. When the militant group noticed a truck travelling along NH-2 in Champhai area of Kangpok-pi district, they opened fire on it. Mangkholam later claimed responsibility for the attack.
Police investigation revealed that the group was also planning to kidnap employees of a construction company commissioned to build roads in Manipur and extort them for ransom.
India Today