NSCN (IM) leader gets bail as NIA says it is in interest of peace talks

“The special public prosecutor for NIA states that he has received an email (from the agency) directing him not to oppose the bail application of Shimray. It is submitted that the bail of the accused is important in the interest of peace negotiations between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India,” the court said.

In its order, the court said, “Without expressing the opinion on merits of the case and only on the basis of submission made by the special public prosecutor for NIA, the accused is admitted to bail on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs one lakh.”

The judge put several conditions on the accused and asked him not to tamper with evidence and not to leave the country without the court’s prior permission. NIA had alleged Shimray was the chief arms and ammunition procurer of NSCN (IM) insurgent group in the north-east. In his bail application, the counsel for Shimray claimed that he was innocent and had wrongly been apprehended by NIA. He said the investigation has already been complete and the charge sheet has been filed in the case. Shimray, who was in judicial custody, was arrested by the agency in October 2010.

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NIA had said that a case was lodged against Shimray, T R Calvin, Hangshi Ramson Tangkhul and others under various sections of IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly conspiring to procure huge quantities of arms and ammunition from foreign countries. It had alleged that these arms were to be used for committing terror activities and waging a war against the Government of India.

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The accused, the agency had said, had negotiated with arms dealers in Thailand and China for purchase of arms and ammunition. They had also deposited money for the purpose with foreign arms-selling firms, NIA had said.