New Delhi, Jul 4 (IANS): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the arrest of two Manipur residents for carrying arms and ammunition, the agency said on Wednesday.

The agency re-registered the case under the Arms Act on July 1 in compliance with a Union Home Ministry order.

The case was originally registered on May 22 at Ukhrul Police Station in Manipur, a day after Assam Rifles intercepted a vehicle carrying a cache of arms and ammunition concealed in handbags.

On May 21, based on inputs, the Assam Rifles checked a white Maruti Gypsy, which was moving from Ukhrul towards Imphal, near Lower Hungdung. Upon its search, two German rifles, one semi-automatic shotgun and three pistols and ammunition were recovered.

The occupants of the vehicle two Manipur residents, identified as Honpam Chithung and Mathu Manohar were arrested on charges of procurement and supply of arms and ammunition to insurgent groups.