New Delhi, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : A special court in New Delhi has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Thai national Willy Naruenartwanich, an arms dealer connected to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM). The court also imposed a fine of 500,000 rupees.
The ruling was delivered by the exclusive Special NIA Court-03 on October 4. Naruenartwanich was convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his involvement in an international arms procurement conspiracy linked to the NSCN (IM).
The case revolves around the NSCN (IM) allegedly plotting to acquire significant quantities of lethal weapons and ammunition from foreign sources. These arms were intended to bolster the group’s armed cadres and promote terrorist activities, as well as prepare for actions against the Indian government. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered the case on January 13, 2010, following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Investigations revealed that Naruenartwanich, also known as Mr. Wuthikorn Naruenartwanich, acted as a facilitator and principal conspirator in the arms procurement network. He collaborated with Anthony Shimre, the NSCN (IM)’s primary arms buyer, and assisted in negotiations with representatives from Chinese arms and ammunition companies.
The proposed purchases and transshipment arrangements were valued at approximately $1.2 million. This conviction marks a significant development in the case, shedding light on the international network utilized by the NSCN (IM) to acquire weapons and ammunition from abroad.
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