DIMAPUR, MAY 17 (MExN): The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has demanded that the case relating to the killing of three leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), while also calling for scrutiny of a statement issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur following the incident.
In a media release issued on May 17, TIM expressed disappointment over what it described as the failure of authorities to identify and arrest those responsible for the ambush attack on TBAI leaders at Zero Point on the inter-village road between Kotlen and Kotzim villages on May 13.
The organisation stated that the attack claimed the lives of TBAI President Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Finance Secretary Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulun Sitlhou. It further stated that five others were injured, including TBAI Executive Secretary Rev SM Haopu, Rev Hekai Simte, Rev Kaikhothang Singsit, and two drivers identified as Thangtinlen Sitlhou and Lungoumang Lhouvum.
TIM alleged that despite the seriousness of the incident, no “credible, transparent, and time-bound investigation” had been initiated. It questioned why only the two TBAI vehicles, both reportedly bearing clearly visible TBAI identification plates, were targeted while other vehicles travelling along the same route were left untouched.
According to the statement, the second vehicle carrying Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou was subjected to heavy firing, with at least 15 bullets reportedly recovered from his body. TIM claimed that the circumstances suggested a “premeditated and targeted attack.”
The statement also questioned how Kuki Inpi Manipur was able to issue a press release within less than two hours of the attack alleging involvement of the ZUF-Kamson Group, which it claimed was linked to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah). TIM said both the NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson Group had publicly denied involvement.
TIM maintained that the speed and certainty of the allegation raised “serious and legitimate questions” about whether the statement was based on prior knowledge, insider information, or an attempt to divert attention from the actual perpetrators. It said the KIM statement must form part of the investigation.
Among its demands, TIM called for the immediate transfer of the case to the NIA, a comprehensive investigation into all possible roles and connections, scrutiny of the KIM statement, and examination of the proximity of a KRA/KNO “tax collection entry gate” and nearby Army or Assam Rifles post to the ambush site.
“The Thadou community does not want this case to become another unresolved tragedy,” TIM stated, while calling for “truth, an end to targeted and ongoing human rights violations, violence, persecution, and terrorism against the Thadou community, and timely, impartial, and credible justice.”
