Task cut out for NIA
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: September 28, 2021 -

AMID the public outrage over abduction and subsequent brutal murder of Zeliangrong leader Athuan Abonmai, the government of Manipur seeking NIA investigation into the case is perhaps the best option left in view of viral videos connected to the incident clearly exposing inaction by state or central forces deployed in and around the location from where the victim was whisked away in a commonly used four-wheeler vehicle and several CSOs suspecting political conspiracy.

With the government holding the same view as the CSOs about possible involvement of the armed NSCN-IM in one of the most high profile cases to occur in recent times, there is no way that state agencies could indict the perpetrators even if the rebel group is found involved in the case.

That the state government seems greatly relieved when CSOs and JAC formed in connection with the sensational case raised the demand for roping in the service of NIA could also be comprehended from special secretary (home) H Gyan Prakash outlining in his missive to the Ministry of Home Affairs that "the act is suspected to be carried out by the NSCN (IM) cadres and in view of the sensitive nature of the case and possible inter-state ramification, it is felt that the case is fit for investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA)".

As reported, the MHA was vividly intimated that Athuan Abonmai was abducted on September 22 from Tamenglong district headquarters but made no mention that the incident took place in broad daylight and under the very nose of security personnel.

However, it is not the timidity of the well-armed government forces that the public would be concerned about but nailing the real 'murderers at any cost.

Inaction by the men in uniform to foil the abduction bid notonly resulted in the suspension of over 15 policemen and termination of a VDF member but it is certain that they would now be the core of the investigative process if the NIA actually takes over the case.

While extracting information out of the 'spectator' cops wouldn't be arduous, the NIA's probe process is likely to run into rough weather for its ultimate target would be the NSCN-IM which remains the prime suspect in the case.

In view of the victim's son categorically stating in his complaint lodged at Lamphel police station that Athuan was abducted by NSCN-IM cadres from near the venue where the chief minister was scheduled to attend a government function, it is obvious thatthe investigation wouldn't be complete if the rebel outfit is left out of the probe process.

Nevertheless, the NIA remains the best bet for the government of Manipur to entrust the task of what could be a protracted investigative exercise. Moreover, even if the probe process narrows down on the NSCN-IM as the prime suspect in the case, tracking down the real culprits would be akin to finding the proverbial needle in the haystack,

Unlike the CBI which needs the consent of the state concerned to begin an investigation, the NIA has been empowered to enter any state without seeking permission and has the right to investigate and arrest people from across the country.

Thus, there is no other agency better than the NIA to probe the case and make the people of Manipur believe that justice would be delivered, sooner or later.