Justice Cannot be Selective: TNL Working Committee Questions Transfer of Thawai Case to NIA

UKHRUL: The Tangkhul Naga Long Working Committee (TNL WC) has raised questions on the recent decision of the Manipur government to transfer the case of the death of two Kukis in a crossfire on March 11 to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).  

The committee, in a statement, said the decision is deeply “questionable” and reflects a troubling pattern of selective, inconsistent, and premature action. 

“Justice cannot be selective, and governance cannot be guided by convenience or silence,” it stated.

It alleged that there is a fundamental lapse in the case, and stated that the identity and origin of one of the deceased individuals, namely Thengin Baite, has not been conclusively established. 

Also Read | United Naga Council Flags ‘Selective Justice’ in NIA Takeover of Thawai Case

“The official statement issued by the Thawai Village Authority on the 14th of March 2026 clearly indicates that the person reported as Thengin Baite does not appear in the electoral rolls or Hill House Assessment records of Thawai Kuki village. This directly contradicts widely circulated claims regarding his background and identity,” it stated. 

Stating that the state government has chosen to handover the case to the NIA, in spite of the glaring uncertainty, the committee questioned the basis of the decision.  

“Referring a case to a premier counter-terrorism agency without establishing basic facts is not only procedurally unsound but suggests a deliberate attempt to construct a narrative before the truth is determined,” it stated, while expressing concerns in the state’s “selective approach” in handling grave incidents. 

Also Read | CM Promises NIA Probe Over Thawai Kuki Death Case; Imphal-Ukhrul Road Blocked

It cited the case of late Vungzagin Valte, a sitting MLA from Thanlon constituency, Pherzawl, stating that the case was not and has not been referred to the NIA despite the fact that it was a direct assault on a democratically elected representative. The MLA had also written to the Prime Minister seeking a probe into it. 

“The case of Vungzagin Valte, a sitting MLA from Thanlon constituency, Pherzawl remains a glaring example. He was brutally attacked in Imphal on 4th of May 2023 during the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kukis and later succumbed to his injuries on February 20 2026. This was a direct assault on a democratically elected representative with far-reaching implications for governance and rule of law. Yet, this case was not and has not been referred to the NIA despite Vungzagin himself writing a letter to the Prime Minister for probe on 13th of September 2025, five months before his death,” it stated.

It also mentioned, “Further compounding public concern is the abduction of 21 civilians by Kuki militants in broad daylight along the Ukhrul-Imphal (NH-202) road on the 11th of March 2026 right in front of Indian security forces.”

This deeply disturbing incident appears to have been quietly sidelined, with no visible accountability, no transparent investigation, and no indication of due diligence in examining the role, response, or possible lapses of the armed forces present at the time. The absence of interrogation, clarification, or action in such a serious matter raises critical questions about institutional responsibility, it stated.

Also Read | Kuki Bodies Condemn Thawai Killings, Demand Immediate Action Against Perpetrators

It further stated that Kuki militant groups have been blocking the vital National Highway 202, which serves as a lifeline for the Tangkhul Naga community since March 12. Such actions not only disrupt essential movement and supplies but also constitute serious violations of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements between the Kuki Militants and the Government of India. Despite the gravity of these violations, the state government’s continued silence and inaction are both conspicuous and concerning, it added.

Asserting that justice cannot be “selective” and governance cannot be guided by silence, the committee stated, ” A case with disputed facts is swiftly escalated to the NIA, while the killing of a sitting MLA remains unaddressed at that level. The abduction of civilians sees no visible accountability, and blockades by Kuki Militants continue without meaningful intervention or acknowledgment.”

Also Read | CWC, TNFO Demands Immediate Removal of Alleged KLA Bunker in Sinakeithei

Stating that the people deserve transparency, accountability, and equal application of the law across all cases, irrespective of community or context, the committee demanded immediate clarification on the factual basis for referring the present case to the NIA, along with a transparent and time-bound inquiry into the abduction of 21 civilians, ensuring accountability of all security personnel present at the time of the incident. 

It also demanded immediate action to remove the “unlawful” blockades on National Highway 202 and immediate scrapping of the SoO agreement. 

“The Kuki militants have failed to uphold the SoO agreement by unleashing fear and terror in the region, in the presence of the Indian Security Forces. Therefore, their SoO agreement must be scrapped without further delay,” it added.