Manipur Ethnic Tensions Flare Over NIA Arrests and SoO Demands

Imphal: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) lashed out at the National Investigation Agency on July 21, branding recent arrests in Kangpokpi district as politically motivated and selective. The group, representing Kuki tribes, demanded an impartial probe into all violence linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023. KIM officials pointed to the arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals near Leilon village and Leimakhong as evidence of bias. They claimed authorities moved quickly on the killing of six Naga civilians but ignored the deaths of 15 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly killed by the NSCN-IM and the ZUF-K.

Simultaneously, the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur and the Delhi Meetei Coordination Committee launched a counter-offensive. They demanded the immediate prosecution of all suspects involved in the June 10 killing of six Naga civilians whose bodies were recovered near Leilon Vaiphei. The groups also pushed for the total abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militants. They argued this 2005 pact failed to stop violence and transformed into a shield for criminal activity.

The joint statement from the IPFM and DMCC claimed the agreement has become a license for abduction, extortion, and targeted killings. They further alleged that these armed groups engaged in cross-border terrorism and arms smuggling. The organizations demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, citing familial connections to the conflict, and urged for the recovery of illegal arms across all communities. They remain staunchly opposed to calls for a separate administration.

KIM maintains that investigations must move forward without political interference. The organization called for judicial oversight to stop what it termed arbitrary arrests. As of now, the NIA has not publicly responded to the claims of selective enforcement. Tensions remain high as groups demand accountability for more than 260 deaths and the displacement of over 60,000 residents since the start of the violence.