SUPREME COURT ON CASE AGAINST KUKI REVOLUTIONARY ARMY CHIEF AND UKLF LEADER; SEEKS NIA RESPONSE: 'TRAIL HAS TO GO OUTSIDE MANIPUR'

The Supreme Court in the case David Hangshing and Anr. v. National Investigation Agency and Ors. observed wherein the petition is filed by Kuki Revolutionary Army, KRA the Chief David Hangshing and United Kuki Liberation Front, UKLF leader Lhunkhoson Haokip seeking transfer of trial of the arms theft case against them from Manipur to Assam.

The Supreme Court asked Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee appearing for respondent-NIA to take instructions on which court or state would be more convenient.

The bench comprising of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing the present matter.

The bench of Justice Oka enquired from the petitioners' counsel as to which court the transfer was sought.

In response to it, the counsel appearing for the petitioner said "Guwahati".

The counsel, ASG Vikramjit Banerjee appearing on behalf of NIA pointed out the sensitivity of the matter and suggested that hearing could take place via video conferencing.

The bench of Justice Oka said to Banerjee, Why VC? The witnesses have to identify the accused who are present in the court, can't be done.

Therefore, the counsel, ASG sought to impress that it would be difficult to transfer witnesses, as many as 138 in number out of the state, but to no avail.