The Mate Case (Part-4): Why a Dreaded Militant Walks Free Despite More Evidence

In this fourth installment of our five-part series examining the arrest and legal proceedings against Thangminlen Mate, we turn the spotlight on the NIA’s failure to arrest Arambai Tenggol’s Commander, Korounganba Khuman—despite the fact that he faces far more serious charges. When justice becomes selective, the rule of law is eroded. The stark contrast in the treatment of Mate and Khuman exposes the deep rot at the heart of Manipur’s conflict response.

By Navin Upadhyay

July 2025–The arrest of Kuki-Zo tribal leader Thangminlen Mate under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in May 2025 has stirred a hornet’s nest. Accused of participating in a deadly assault on an IRB post in Moreh on January 17, Mate’s bail plea has been fiercely contested, with the NIA painting him as a key conspirator. However, much of the evidence cited against him originates from the Manipur Police—a force the Supreme Court itself deemed “unfit to investigate” cases related to ethnic violence in a scathing 2023 rebuke.

This glaring lack of independent corroboration in Mate’s case sharply contrasts with the extensive, multi-agency documentation and serious charges levelled against Arambai Tenggol’s Commander-in-Chief, Korounganba Khuman—who, bafflingly, remains free.

READ: Imphal-Based Militant Ran Transnational Gun Smuggling Racket

Khuman’s Alleged Crimes: More Numerous, More Dangerous

Khuman, a self-styled militia commander with deep political connections, faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code, UAPA, Arms Act, and even the Official Secrets Act. The NIA is probing him in two major cases (RC-03/2024 and RC-04/2024) involving:

• Looting of government armories
• Armed attacks on Manipur Police and paramilitary forces
• Leading riots and terrorist acts disguised in police uniforms
• Extortion, dacoity, and criminal conspiracy
• Social media incitement calling for ethnic purges

According to NIA filings, Khuman’s involvement is not speculative. His identity is clearly documented in videos, including a Facebook post calling Meitei youth to “teach them a final lesson.” Visuals show him armed and leading camouflaged cadres through Imphal’s streets—images far more incriminating than the hearsay basis of the charges against Mate.

Korounganba, Leader of Arambai Tenggol is often seen spewing confrontational messages since #ManipurViolence broke out.
He is frequently loaded with arms, showing his military dictation.
Why is this arrogant fellow let loose in executing his plans against Kuki people?
Is he… pic.twitter.com/OOa9abDt5C

— Alice Ngaipilhing (@haokip_alice) April 12, 2024

Despite this mountain of material evidence, Khuman remains untouched by law enforcement—bolstered by political patronage and open support from figures like former CM N. Biren Singh and BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, who founded Arambai Tenggol and has never disavowed its militarization.

The Inconvenient Contrast

The contrast in evidentiary weight between the two cases is glaring—and deeply troubling. In Mate’s case, the NIA hinges its prosecution almost entirely on statements from the Manipur Police Commando Unit—a force whose neutrality was severely questioned by the Supreme Court, which described its conduct during the ethnic violence as “lethargic”, “biased”, and “unfit” for credible investigation. There is no independent forensic material, no recovered weapons, no digital trail—yet Mate, a tribal leader, was  arrested, granted bail, and re-arrested.

READ: The Mate Case (Part-3): NIA Relies Solely on Manipur Police Claims

In contrast, Khuman is implicated in two high-profile NIA cases, supported by damning visual and digital evidence. From Facebook calls summoning mobs to high-resolution videos showing him leading armed men in police uniforms, the evidence is detailed, corroborated, and tied to a slew of serious criminal provisions. Yet, he walks free. The fact that the NIA moved decisively against Mate—relying on questionable sources—while refusing to arrest Khuman, is baffling, to say the least. This stark discrepancy undermines the credibility of the agency and weakens public faith in the equal application of justice.

Khuman’s Background and Alleged Role in Ethnic Violence

Also known by his pseudonym Tyson Ngangbam, Khuman rose from a modest background as a contractor to the apex of Arambai Tenggol’s operations. Formed in 2020 by titular king and BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba as a cultural revivalist group, Arambai Tenggol rapidly militarized under Khuman’s leadership after the ethnic clashes in May 2023. He now commands thousands across 65 units, including mobile strike teams, with control over looted arms and strong social media influence.

READ: Biren Singh No Longer a VVIP: Escort, Staff, CID Units Recalled

He is accused of orchestrating violence against Kuki-Zo communities—burning homes, churches, schools, and allegedly ordering killings and assaults. In one January 2024 incident in Moreh, his men torched multiple structures. In another, on January 24, Khuman allegedly summoned 37 MLAs and 2 MPs to Kangla Fort, coerced them into signing an anti-Kuki charter, and oversaw assaults on three lawmakers.

Political Patronage and Impunity

Khuman’s impunity is sustained by powerful political allies. BJP MP Sanajaoba has openly backed the group, attended its oath ceremonies, and remained silent about its violent actions. Former CM Biren Singh is also known to have extended his patronage to the militia’s leaders. Even Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met with Khuman in 2025—signaling dangerous normalization of militancy in Manipur’s politics.

NIA Cases Against Korounganba Khuman

The NIA is investigating Khuman in at least two major cases transferred to its Guwahati Special Court due to security concerns.

Case No. RC-03/2024/NIA/IMP
On November 1, 2023, Khuman allegedly led an armed group in camouflage, black shirts, and police uniforms to the Palace Compound, inciting violence through a Facebook post. When police intervened, they allegedly fired at officers, overpowered them, and escaped in vehicles. Charges include attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, rioting, incitement, UAPA violations, and looting arms.

READ: Burnt Homes, Broken Trust: Manipur’s Unrealistic Relief Plan

Case No. RC-04/2024/NIA/IMP
Later that day, another group under Khuman allegedly stormed the 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion, looting arms and destroying property. Charges again span rioting, terrorism, robbery, and violations of the Arms and Official Secrets Acts.

These cases implicate Khuman directly in terrorism, impersonation of security personnel, obstruction of the state, and looting state weapons—all with visual, digital, and testimonial evidence.

Why Khuman Must Be Arrested Now

Khuman’s continued freedom poses an immediate threat to Manipur’s fragile stability. His militia’s mobilization power—seen during recent protests over Kanan Singh’s arrest—proves his capacity to destabilize the state further. His role in dictating terms to lawmakers at Kangla Fort undermines democratic legitimacy.

🔍 Evidence and Charges: Mate vs. Khuman