TIM questions NIA's probe effectiveness
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 04 2026: Questioning the effectiveness, inde- pendence, transparency and credibility of the NIA investigation into the massacre of three Thadou Christian leaders on May 13 between Kotzim and Kotlen villages while on their way back to Kangpokpi from Chura-chandpur, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has called for an independent, impartial, transparent and time-bound investigation, protected from political and institutional interference, and prosecution of every person found responsible--whether perpetrator, planner, intelligence, provider, facilitator or obstructor of justice.

Even though more than 100 days have passed since the targeted ambush in which three senior Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) leaders-Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou-were killed and five others seriously injured, there has been no publicly known arrest, TIM pointed out in a statement.

The massacre occurred in an area where Kuki SoO militant groups, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the Kuki National Front (KNF), maintain a strong presence and influence.

It said that Kuki militant organisations, both under and outside the SoO framework, operate within a wider unified command reportedly headed by Jangboi Kipgen, Home Secretary of the KNF and chairman of the unified command of all Kuki militant groups in Kangpokpi district.

Significantly, the two vehicles carrying the Thadou leaders bore clearly visible TBA signage on their fronts.

Vehicles travelling ahead of and behind them, reportedly carrying people including Kukis, were not attacked.

Only the two TBA vehicles were targeted.

The apparent selectivity of the attack makes the victims' ethnic identity a potentially crucial element in establishing the motive (of the ambush) and identifying those responsible, TIM said.

The Thadou body has also expressed deep concern about the political environment surrounding the case.

It said that wives of the supremos of two Kuki SoO militant groups are members of the State Government, while several other MLAs are closely connected-through family, political, organisational or other ties-with Kuki SoO militant groups that appear to enjoy considerable impunity and influence within Government administration, intelligence and security structures.

These relationships do not, by themselves, establish criminal responsibility.

However, where persons exercising Governmental authority have familial or political connections with organisations relevant to a major criminal investigation, potential conflicts of interest and political influence must be independently examined, it said.

The NIA must also determine whether any Government officials, political actors or security personnel possessed prior information about the attack but failed to act despite having relevant information, or subsequently influenced, obstructed or compromised the investigation.

TIM has also expressed strong indignation against the NIA's refusal to correct the victims' identity.

Even after TIM formally requested the NIA to correct the mislabelling of the victims as Kuki, the NIA has been refusing to make the necessary correction, it said.

It asserted that accurate identification of the victims may be fundamental to establishing motive and uncovering the truth.

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