Selective justice under fire: TNL questions NIA transfer amid identity doubts

Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, March 18:
The Working Committee- Tangkhul Naga Long (WC- TNL) has launched a scathing critique of the Government of Manipur’s recent decision to transfer the March 11 crossfire case involving the death of two Kuki individuals to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), calling the move “deeply questionable” and indicative of a disturbing pattern of selective governance.
In a strongly worded statement, the TNL Working Committee Media Cell raised serious concerns over the lack of verified facts surrounding one of the deceased, identified in reports as Thengin Baite. According to an official clarification issued by the Thawai Village Authority on March 14, the individual does not appear in the electoral rolls or Hill House Assessment records of Thawai Kuki village. The absence of documented identity, TNL argued, directly contradicts widely circulated claims and raises fundamental questions about the basis on which the case has been escalated.
“Referring a case to a premier agency like the NIA without establishing even the basic identity of the deceased is procedurally flawed and raises suspicion of a pre-determined narrative,” the statement asserted. The organisation questioned what verified evidence the State Government relied upon in taking such a significant decision.
The Working Committee further contrasted this swift action with what it described as glaring inaction in other grave cases. It pointed to the brutal attack on Vungzagin Valte, a sitting MLA who was assaulted in Imphal on May 4, 2023, during ethnic violence and later succumbed to his injuries on February 20, 2026. Despite the seriousness of the attack on an elected representative, and Valte’s own appeal to the Prime Minister on September 13, 2025 seeking a probe, the case has not been handed over to the NIA.
“This stark contrast reflects selective urgency—where one case is fast-tracked despite disputed facts, another of far-reaching constitutional importance remains neglected,” the TNL stated.
Adding to the list of concerns is the alleged abduction of 21 civilians by Kuki militants along the Ukhrul–Imphal stretch of National Highway 202 on March 11, reportedly in the presence of Indian security forces. The TNL termed the incident “deeply disturbing,” questioning the absence of visible accountability, transparent investigation, or scrutiny of the response by the security personnel deployed at the scene.
The organisation also highlighted the ongoing blockade of NH-202, allegedly enforced by Kuki militant groups since March 12, which has severely disrupted movement and essential supplies for the Tangkhul Naga population. It noted that such actions constitute a direct violation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed between Kuki militant groups and the Government of India.
“Despite the gravity of these violations, the silence and inaction of the State Government remain conspicuous and deeply concerning,” the statement added.
The TNL asserted that these developments, when viewed collectively, reveal a troubling pattern of selective response—swift escalation in some cases, and silence or inaction in others. It warned that such inconsistency undermines public trust and weakens the rule of law in an already fragile environment.