A special team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate raided the headquarters of the Popular Front of India (PFI) on Thursday morning at Lilong in Thoubal district, Manipur. The combined team along with State police, commandos, and CRPF reached the headquarters at 2 am.
The team was led by NIA Deputy Superintendent of Police J.S. Raukela.
Mohammad Abdullah, president of the PFI Imphal branch said, “The search was conducted in a very peaceful and orderly manner. They did not say any strong words. We also extended full co-operation to the team. If there is anything to be looked into, we will go to the NIA office to give the clarifications”.
Mr. Abdullah confirmed that the team had taken away several documents, including all pass books of the bank accounts opened by him and other office bearers. They had taken away some mobile phones too. The NIA team had also issued a memo of the seized items. The office was sealed which may mean that the NIA team may come once again. Mr. Abdullah said that nothing objectionable was found during the raid.
Reports said that the raids in over 100 PFI branches were conducted simultaneously. So far nobody had been taken into custody in Manipur.
