Allegations of bias in Manipur probes highlight systemic issues in law enforcement and deepen ethnic tensions across the state.
BY Navin Upadhyay
October 10: The handling of three sensational security-related incidents in Manipur highlights a worrying pattern of alleged ethnic bias by government and investigative agencies against the Kuki-Zo community. A comparative analysis reveals glaring disparities in how suspects are treated along ethnic lines.
This alleged ‘discriminatory’ approach has drawn sharp criticism from legal observers, who allege that investigative agencies are applying the law selectively along ethnic lines. While the state has faced multiple violent episodes involving both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, the responses to these incidents reveal a striking contrast. Kuki-Zo suspects, even when evidence is thin or procedural lapses exist, are swiftly taken into NIA custody under stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act. In contrast, Meitei militants implicated in more serious offenses—including armed attacks on security forces, looting of weapons, and organized ethnic intimidation— faced NIA probe in extreme cases only, and were not even arrested.
Critics argue that this selective enforcement not only exposes the Kuki-Zo community to disproportionate scrutiny and harassment, but also allows armed Meitei groups like Arambai Tenggol to operate with near impunity. Allegations of political protection for such groups exacerbate ethnic tensions and deepen mistrust between communities. The Assam Rifles ambush of September 19, 2025, which marked the first direct attack on central forces since the May 2023 Meitei–Kuki-Zo clashes, underscores the stakes: despite its sensitivity, the case was retained by the state police rather than escalated to the NIA, raising further questions about impartiality in law enforcement and the credibility of the investigative process.
Case 1: Assam Rifles Ambush – September 19, 2025
On September 19, an Assam Rifles convoy moving from Patsoi to the Nambol base in Manipur’s valley was ambushed in Sabal Leikai, resulting in the deaths of Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Intelligence sources later suggested the attack could have been a politically motivated “contract killing” by the Imphal-based insurgent group, People’s Liberation Army (PLA), aimed at destabilizing the state and discrediting President’s Rule.
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Despite the involvement of a highly organized insurgent group with a violent history, the case was handled solely by the Manipur police and not escalated to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Security forces arrested 15 PLA members, recovered six looted weapons, and seized a van allegedly used in the ambush. The decision to bypass the NIA in such a politically sensitive case raises serious questions about impartiality.
Case 2: Arrest of Thangminlen Mate – Kuki Community Member
In stark contrast, the NIA swiftly arrested Thangminlen Mate, a 28-year-old Kuki community member, in connection with the January 17, 2024, clashes in Moreh that killed Manipur Police Commandos. Mate was first arrested under FIR RC-05/2024/NIA/IMP and granted bail by the Special NIA Court in Guwahati, only to be immediately re-arrested under FIR RC-06/2024/NIA/IMP.
The Gauhati High Court later granted him bail, citing procedural lapses, evidentiary weaknesses, and investigative inconsistencies. A critical lapse was the NIA’s failure to disclose RC-06 during Mate’s initial bail hearing, undermining judicial process. Nevertheless, Mate faced stringent legal action under UAPA, the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act—demonstrating a disproportionate focus on Kuki-Zo suspects even amid procedural flaws.
Case 3: Khuman Korounganba – Arambai Tenggol Chief
Khuman Korounganba, self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol, remains at large despite being implicated in multiple violent incidents against security forces and Kuki-Zo communities.
Alleged Crimes and Activities:
- Armed Attacks on Security Forces:
- On November 1, 2023, Khuman led armed militia members in camouflage and police uniforms to the Palace Compound in Imphal East, opening fire on security personnel and advancing toward Imphal West.
- RC-03/2024/NIA/IMP lists charges including armed rioting, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of public servants, attempt to murder, dacoity, terrorist acts under UAPA, and unlawful possession of arms.
- Looting of Arms and Government Property:
- Later that day, Khuman led another group in assaulting the 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion, ransacking offices, destroying vehicles, and looting arms and ammunition.
- RC-04/2024/NIA/IMP includes charges such as armed rioting, robbery, dacoity, criminal conspiracy, terrorist acts, and violation of the Official Secrets Act.
- Organized Ethnic Violence:
- Videos reportedly show Khuman leading hundreds of armed cadres, engaging in intimidation and violence against Kuki-Zo civilians.
- Investigations indicate his operations are systematically organized, militarized, and politically protected, allowing near impunity.
Arrests and Enforcement Gaps:
- Only lower-level associates, such as Mutum Rajesh Singh, have been arrested.
- Khuman remains free despite facing more serious charges than Kuki-Zo suspects like Mate.
- Civil society groups, including the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR), contend that political patronage shields him, undermining law enforcement and justice.
Legal and Investigative Context:
- Both NIA cases were transferred to the Guwahati NIA Special Court on November 26, 2024, citing security concerns.
- Charges cover IPC, UAPA, Arms Act, and Official Secrets Act, yet progress on apprehending Khuman is minimal.
- Analysts argue this stark contrast with the swift arrest of Kuki-Zo suspects points to institutional bias or political complicity.
Bias and Selective Enforcement
These three cases highlight a troubling pattern:
- Kuki-Zo suspects are quickly escalated to NIA custody, subjected to stringent laws, and arrested even with weak evidence.
- Meitei militants, despite committing arguably serious offenses, are often left untouched or handled solely by the state police.
- The Assam Rifles ambush, politically sensitive and unprecedented, remained under state police control instead of the NIA.
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Benjamin Mate, chairman of KOHUR, criticized the disparity: “Probe agencies are completely biased and out to frame and harass Kuki-Zo people. The government quickly hands cases over to the NIA when Kuki-Zo are suspects, but Meities are either untouched or handled by Manipur police.”
He added that past Supreme Court criticism of Manipur police underscores the risks of leaving sensitive Meitei cases in state hands. “ who is going to trusta police force which allowed loot of weapons on may 3, 2023 and has not acted against any of the Imphal valley militias,” he said.
The stark contrast in handling these cases reflects deep systemic bias and undermines public trust in law enforcement. While Kuki-Zo suspects face rapid escalation to the NIA and strict legal measures, Meitei militants implicated in more serious crimes often remain untouchable. Without impartial enforcement and accountability, ethnic tensions, cycles of violence, and public distrust will continue to plague Manipur.
