The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the May 13 ambush that killed three senior leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. The Union Home Ministry transferred the case from the state police, citing the seriousness of the incident, its possible links to a wider conspiracy, and its broader implications.
The victims included Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the TBA, along with other senior pastors. They were returning from a religious congregation and peace-related gathering in Churachandpur when suspected militants attacked two vehicles near Zero Point, between the Kotzim and Kotlern areas. Three members of the Kuki community were killed on the spot, while four others suffered bullet injuries. The attack took place amid ongoing reconciliation efforts, making the incident particularly tragic.
Manipur has witnessed ethnic violence since May 2023, mainly between the valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo tribes. The conflict has claimed more than 260 lives, displaced tens of thousands of people, and divided the state along ethnic lines. Following the May 13 attack, Kuki organisations, including the Thadou Students’ Association, demanded an NIA investigation, raising concerns about local bias and the adequacy of the state police probe.
According to the NIA’s FIR, armed miscreants opened fire with the intention of causing loss of life, damaging property, and creating fear among civilians. The agency’s involvement suggests that investigators are examining whether the attack was part of a larger network or a coordinated effort linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict. The situation has become more complex with the involvement of Naga groups in recent tensions.
Recently, the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN), representing major Naga tribes, condemned the alleged killing of six Nagas in Kangpokpi district earlier this month, reportedly by Kuki militants. During its annual general session in Meriema near Kohima, the union demanded immediate arrests, strict punishment for those responsible, and speedy justice. It also expressed concern over increasing crimes against women and children and called for stronger law enforcement measures. Reports of abductions, hostage-taking, and retaliatory violence point to a growing Kuki-Naga dimension alongside the Meitei-Kuki conflict.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said on June 23 that valley districts were relatively calm, while disturbances continued in the hill regions, which cover nearly 90 per cent of the state’s geographical area. He announced the deployment of additional security forces, including elite CoBRA units of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), for operations in hill districts. A de-weaponisation drive has also been launched, with authorities urging people to surrender illegal arms voluntarily to avoid action by central agencies such as the NIA. Intelligence reports indicate that weapons remain in circulation, particularly in the valleys.
Konthoujam stressed the importance of restoring peace to support development. He also referred to recent NIA arrests linked to arms-looting cases involving groups such as Arambai Tenggol. The government’s approach focuses on stabilising the valleys, recovering weapons, and targeting militants in the hills. However, critics argue that these steps do not address deeper issues, including territorial disputes, demographic concerns, illegal immigration, and demands for political safeguards.
Opposition leaders have also intensified their criticism. Leader of the Congress Legislature Party, Keisham Meghachandra, called on the BJP-led government to provide a clear timeline and roadmap for restoring normalcy, rehabilitating displaced people, and promoting reconciliation. In a post on X, he highlighted the prolonged displacement, uncertainty, and disruption faced by residents since May 2023. He urged transparent measures to rebuild trust, ensure justice, and enable the safe return of affected families. “Peace cannot remain an open-ended promise,” he said, calling for accountability across communities.
The NIA takeover and the deployment of additional security forces reflect a two-pronged approach by the Centre, combining stronger law enforcement with efforts to encourage dialogue. However, major challenges remain. Long-standing ethnic tensions, competition over resources, insurgency-related issues, and deep mistrust between communities continue to fuel instability. Recent hostage incidents and cross-community killings have highlighted the fragile nature of the peace process.