Thai National Sentenced to Six Years in NSCN-IM Arms Case

Imphal: A special NIA court in New Delhi sentenced Willy Naruenartwanich to six years behind bars on Wednesday. The court also hit him with a Rs 5 lakh fine. The Bangkok-based businessman acted as a middleman for the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah. He helped the group set up a deal to buy weapons and ammo through a global network.

Naruenartwanich faced conviction on September 24, 2026. Charges included conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The NIA launched the investigation in January 2010. This followed a direct order from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The businessman allegedly linked up with NSCN-IM chief procurer Anthony Shimray. Together, they negotiated a massive deal with a Chinese arms firm. Investigators pegged the value of the deal at 1.2 million US dollars. The NIA stated the weapons were meant to boost the group's armed cadres. The agency noted the planned procurement, "constituted preparatory acts for waging war against the Government of India." This sentencing brings a close to a major chapter in the long-standing international arms smuggling case.