The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body of the Thadou community in Manipur, has demanded an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district.
The three leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) — Vumthang Sitlhou, Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Paogoulen Sitlhou — were killed on May 13 when unidentified gunmen allegedly ambushed their vehicles on a village road.
TIM questions pace and transparency of probe
In a statement issued on September 4, TIM expressed concern over what it described as the slow progress of the investigation, despite the case being handed over by the Manipur government to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The organisation said the absence of publicly known arrests had raised concerns about the progress, transparency and credibility of the probe. It urged the NIA to provide an update on the investigation within the limits permitted in an ongoing case.
The demand comes amid continuing concerns over violence, abductions and deaths in Manipur.
Community identity highlighted in investigation demand
TIM also urged investigators to examine whether anyone had prior knowledge of the victims’ movements or helped facilitate the attack or conceal evidence.
It specifically pointed to the reported presence of Kuki Revolutionary Army and Kuki National Front elements in the area and referred to an alleged KRA “tax collection gate” near the incident site. TIM stressed that it was not seeking to prejudge the guilt of any individual or organisation.
The organisation also asked investigators to examine why the vehicles carrying the church leaders, which reportedly bore visible TBAI markings, were targeted while vehicles travelling ahead of and behind them were not.
TIM further said it had requested that the victims be identified as Thadou in official references, rather than being described as Kuki or Kuki-Zo. The question of Thadou identity and its relationship with broader Kuki identity remains contested.