The National Investigation Agency (NIA), the federal anti-terrorism agency formed after the November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, landed its first catch on Wednesday with the arrest of two men allegedly working for a terror outfit operating in Assam.

This is the first arrest in the country made by the NIA, which was helped by the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata police in nabbing the two alleged terrorists from the city, police sources said.

According to STF sources, Malsawm Kimi (31), a resident of Aizawl in Mizoram, was arrested from Sudder Street while George Lam Thung (31) was arrested from 19A, Teriti Bazaar in central Kolkata. After getting a tip-off, a team from NIA had earlier landed in the city and started the investigation along with the STF.

The NIA has arrested the two for smuggling arms and raising funds for terrorist outfits, including Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) and National Council (Hills) in Assam. The case number registered by the NIA is 1/09 dated June 5, 2009.

“The NIA and STF have arrested the two members who were raising funds for the terrorist outfits operating in Assam. They will be in police custody till August 17. Within seven days of the arrest, they will be sent to Delhi,” said Jawed Shamim, Joint Commissioner (headquarters) of the Kolkata police.

According to police sources, Rs 2.38 lakh and a few documents have been seized from the duo. However, no arms were recovered during a search at their residences.

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