The Delhi High Court Thursday declared the arrest of three UNLF cadre officials, booked by the NIA on charges of waging war against the state in the backdrop of Manipur’s ethnic violence, as illegal, while recording that NIA cannot resort to “jugglery of statutory provisions”. Ordering that the three be released immediately from judicial custody, unless wanted in some other case, the court observed that the NIA had not obtained a transit remand while shifting custody of the accused from Imphal to Delhi after their arrest. The three will however continue to remain in jail as they’re facing charges by the ED. They were booked under IPC sections for criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state, as well as for offences under UAPA. NIA has alleged that the three are involved in raising funds for the UNLF by committing extortion, recruiting cadres and procuring weapons to incite violence. In October 2024, the HC had rejected NIA’s preliminary objection that the petition cannot be entertained by the court. © The Indian Express Pvt Ltd Expand …