Naga militant gets life term for triple murder

New Delhi, June 30 (IANS) A court here Monday sentenced Naga militant Hopeson Ningshen to life in prison for abducting and murdering three government officials in Manipur in 2009.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge V.K. Gupta sentenced Ningshen and imposed a fine of Rs.35,000 on him. He is a member of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM).

On Feb 13, 2009, Thingnam Kishan Singh, sub-divisional officer of Kasom Khullen in Ukhrul district, and five other officials were abducted by militants.

The next day - three of the abducted people - Ram Singh Siro, Ramthing Singlai and Kapangkhui Jajo - were released, the CBI said.

On Feb 17, the bodies of Kishan Singh, Y. Token Singh and A. Rajen Sharma were recovered from the banks of the Taphao Kuki river near Senapati, Manipur.

An investigation pointed towards the involvement of Ningshen in the abduction and killing. The CBI arrested Ningshen May 25, 2009.

The case was transferred from Manipur to Delhi on the direction of the Supreme Court in May 2010.

The apex court order came on a CBI plea seeking transfer of the case as there was apprehension of conflict between two communities and of a fair trial.