Impunity in Jiribam, Accountability in Imphal: The Double Standards of Law Enforcement

The tragic events in Jiribam, marked by violence and destruction, remain unresolved due to the glaring inaction of the authorities. Despite the gravity of the incidents and the state’s decision to transfer the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), no arrests have been made. This failure to deliver justice reflects not only systemic inefficiency but also a troubling disregard for the rights of victims who lack political connections.
When the state hands over cases to central agencies like the NIA, it signals the seriousness of the matter. However, the involvement of the NIA in the Jiribam case appears more like a symbolic gesture than a genuine effort to ensure justice. The transfer of jurisdiction has done little to instill confidence among the general public. Instead of seeing tangible progress, victims are left grappling with the reality that their suffering remains unaddressed. The lack of arrests raises questions about the investigative priorities. Does the state’s responsibility end with forwarding cases to central agencies? If the transfer is not backed by rigorous follow-ups and a commitment to justice, it becomes a smokescreen for inaction, undermining the very purpose of involving a specialized agency.
The response to the Jiribam case stands in stark contrast to how swiftly law enforcement acted against those accused of attacking MLAs’ residences during recent turmoil. Within days of those incidents, arrests were made, investigations expedited, and strong public statements issued to deter further violence. This swift response underscores that the state has the capacity to act decisively when it chooses to. In Jiribam, however, the absence of political connections among the victims appears to have relegated their plight to the bottom of the priority list. This disparity reflects a deeply entrenched bias within the system, where justice is not a universal right but a privilege reserved for those with access to power.
For the victims in Jiribam, the delay in justice is not just a legal or administrative failure but also a moral betrayal. Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and sense of security, yet they see no accountability for the perpetrators. The absence of arrests sends a chilling message: their suffering does not matter enough to warrant action. This neglect has far-reaching implications, eroding trust in the government and its institutions. For marginalized communities in particular, the lack of justice reinforces the belief that they are invisible in the eyes of the state.
The state’s failure to act decisively in the Jiribam case risks normalizing impunity. When perpetrators go unpunished, it emboldens others to commit similar acts, knowing they are unlikely to face consequences. This not only undermines the rule of law but also perpetuates a culture of violence and lawlessness. The involvement of the NIA, while potentially significant, cannot be a substitute for visible progress. If the agency fails to deliver timely results, it will further erode public confidence in the justice system. The government must ensure that the NIA is not merely a tool for political posturing but an effective instrument of justice.
To restore faith in the system, the government must act swiftly and decisively. First, it must ensure that the NIA conducts a thorough and impartial investigation, prioritizing the identification and arrest of perpetrators. Second, the state government must actively collaborate with the NIA, providing all necessary resources and information to expedite the process. Equally important is the need for transparency. The public must be kept informed about the progress of the investigation, and the government must demonstrate its commitment to justice through regular updates and clear timelines.
The plight of Jiribam’s Meitei population is a grim reminder of the selective justice that plagues Manipur. While the involvement of the NIA suggests an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the crimes, the lack of arrests undermines any claims of progress. Justice delayed is justice denied. The government must take immediate steps to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive the justice they deserve. Anything less would not only deepen the wounds of Jiribam’s victims but also set a dangerous precedent for future incidents.