Imphal: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has demanded a transparent, time-bound and independent investigation into the killing of three Thadou Christian leaders, urging that the probe remain free from political and institutional interference.
In a statement, the apex Thadou body questioned the credibility and independence of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The investigation centres on the May 13 killing of three senior leaders from the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou.
The victims were ambushed and killed, while five others were seriously injured, between Kotzim and Kotlen villages while returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur.
TIM said that despite more than 100 days having passed since the attack, no public arrests have been made.
The organisation criticised the NIA’s refusal to correct the victims’ ethnic identities.
According to TIM, the NIA continues to identify the deceased as “Kuki” despite formal requests for correction. TIM said that accurate identification is important to establish a motive and determine the facts of the case.
It cited the circumstances of the ambush, saying the two vehicles carrying the Thadou leaders bore prominent TBAI signage.
Meanwhile, vehicles travelling directly ahead of and behind them, reportedly carrying Kuki passengers, were left untouched.
TIM said this makes the victims’ specific ethnic identity an important factor in identifying the perpetrators and planners.
The massacre occurred in an area influenced by Kuki Suspension of Operation (SoO) militant groups, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the Kuki National Front (KNF).
TIM alleged that these organisations operate under a wider unified command led by Jangboi Kipgen, the Home Secretary of the KNF and chairman of the unified command for all Kuki militant groups in Kangpokpi district.
The Thadou body also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the state administration. The statement said that the wives of two Kuki SoO militant chiefs serve as members of the state government, while several other MLAs share close familial, political or organisational ties with these groups.
While acknowledging that these connections do not automatically establish criminal guilt, TIM said that given the impunity these groups allegedly enjoy within government, intelligence and security structures, potential conflicts of interest must be independently investigated.
TIM has called on the NIA to determine whether any government officials, political actors or security personnel had actionable intelligence before the attack but failed to act, or whether they subsequently acted to compromise or obstruct justice.