Thadou body urges NIA to clarify probe into killing of three church leaders

The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body of the Thadou community in the state, has called for an independent, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the killing of three church leaders on May 13. The incident, which occurred in Kangpokpi district, triggered a series of abductions and further violence.

The three leaders, affiliated with the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), were killed when unidentified gunmen ambushed their vehicles on a village road. The case was subsequently handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by the state government.

In a statement issued on Friday, TIM expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the probe, noting that no arrests have been made public. The organisation said this lack of visible progress raises questions about the transparency and credibility of the investigation. It has urged the NIA to clarify the status of the probe, within the bounds permissible for an ongoing case.

TIM also highlighted the circumstances of the attack, pointing out that the area is reported to have a significant presence of Kuki extremist groups, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the Kuki National Front (KNF). The body specifically mentioned an alleged KRA 'tax collection gate' near the site of the incident.

While stating that it does not intend to prejudge the guilt of any individual or organisation, TIM has asked the NIA to examine whether any extremist cadres, commanders, or intelligence networks had prior knowledge of the victims' movements or provided information that facilitated the attack. It also urged the agency to investigate if anyone helped conceal evidence or obstruct the investigation subsequently.

The organisation further drew attention to what it described as the 'selective nature' of the attack. It noted that the vehicles carrying the slain leaders had clearly visible TBAI markings, while vehicles moving ahead of and behind them, reportedly carrying Kukis, were not attacked. TIM has asked the agency to determine whether the victims were targeted specifically because of their Thadou identity and their association with the TBAI.

In a related concern, TIM said it has formally requested the NIA to identify the victims as 'Thadou'. However, the agency has continued to describe them as 'Kuki' or 'Kuki-Zo'. A section of the Thadou community maintains that it is not a constituent of the Kuki group, a position that aligns with the view of most indigenous communities in Manipur, who consider a majority of Kukis to be settlers from Myanmar.