Tribal student bodies in Manipur threaten to boycott NIA over what they claim is a pattern of bias and unfair treatment toward the Kuki-Zo community. The joint statement, released by several prominent tribal organizations, accused the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of conducting selective and prejudiced investigations into recent violence in the state.
The student bodies alleged that the NIA had been targeting Kuki-Zo individuals while ignoring crimes committed against them during the ethnic conflict. They warned that unless the agency addressed their concerns and restored impartiality, they would completely withdraw cooperation with ongoing investigations.
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Accusations of Discrimination in Investigations
According to the tribal organizations, the NIA’s actions appear to be politically influenced and discriminatory. They said that the agency has failed to maintain neutrality in its operations. Several representatives of student groups expressed that while multiple violent incidents affected different communities in Manipur, the investigation has disproportionately focused on Kuki-Zo members.
Leaders from the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF), and Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) jointly accused the NIA of ignoring cases involving attacks, killings, and arson against Kuki-Zo civilians. They stated that the agency’s selective arrests and raids have created fear and resentment among the tribal population.
The statement said, “The NIA’s conduct clearly shows bias. Instead of ensuring justice for all, the agency is targeting only one community. Such actions undermine faith in the system and deepen mistrust.”
Tribal Student Leaders Demand Fair Inquiry
During a press briefing, the leaders of these organizations reiterated their stand that justice must be applied equally. They demanded that the NIA reopen cases related to attacks on Kuki-Zo villages, churches, and properties that occurred during the ethnic clashes earlier this year.
They also called for the transfer of ongoing investigations to an independent judicial body or a neutral federal agency. According to them, this is the only way to restore confidence among the affected tribal population.
One of the leaders stated that tribal student bodies in Manipur threaten to boycott NIA not because they oppose investigations, but because they want transparency. “We are not against justice,” he said. “We are against selective justice that targets the victims instead of the perpetrators.”
Background of the Conflict
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic tensions since May, when violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities over land and administrative issues. The conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands. Many villages were burned, and properties were destroyed.
In the aftermath, multiple central and state agencies—including the NIA—were assigned to probe several incidents related to violence and arms looting. However, the tribal organizations claim that most of these investigations have unfairly targeted the Kuki-Zo community while ignoring atrocities committed against them.
They argue that while Kuki-Zo leaders and youth have been arrested or questioned, cases involving attacks on their villages have seen no significant progress. The student bodies claim this imbalance in investigations is fueling further alienation.
NIA’s Role and Growing Distrust
The National Investigation Agency is responsible for handling cases related to terrorism and major national security issues. In Manipur’s context, the agency took up several cases involving armed groups and large-scale violence. However, tribal leaders allege that its focus has been misplaced.
The student organizations said that the NIA’s activities in tribal areas have become more intimidating than investigative. They accused the agency of conducting raids without proper warrants and detaining individuals arbitrarily.
This growing distrust has made cooperation between the tribal communities and federal agencies increasingly difficult. Local leaders said that unless the NIA changes its approach and engages transparently with community representatives, the situation will worsen.
Calls for Central Government Intervention
The tribal student bodies also appealed to the Union Home Ministry to look into the issue. They urged the central government to ensure that investigations in Manipur are fair, inclusive, and sensitive to the suffering of all affected groups.
They further said that the Union government must not allow federal agencies to appear partial or politically influenced. According to them, a neutral and balanced approach will help in healing the fractured relations between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Several tribal organizations have already submitted memorandums to the central government and the Governor of Manipur, urging immediate review of NIA’s role. They warned that if their concerns are ignored, the boycott will include all forms of cooperation, including information sharing and community-level participation.
Public Reaction and Support
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across Manipur. Many from the Kuki-Zo community expressed support for the boycott, saying it reflects long-standing frustration with biased law enforcement. However, some Meitei groups criticized the move, arguing that boycotting a national agency could obstruct justice and deepen divisions.
Human rights activists have also weighed in, calling for an independent review of the NIA’s handling of the cases. They emphasized that fairness and accountability are crucial to restoring public trust in the justice system.
Several civil society groups have urged both the government and the NIA to engage in dialogue with tribal representatives. They believe open communication can help resolve misunderstandings and bring balance to the investigations.
Path Forward for Peace and Trust
As tribal student bodies in Manipur threaten to boycott NIA, the situation highlights the fragile trust between the government and tribal communities. Observers say that addressing allegations of bias is essential to prevent further unrest.
The state government has yet to respond officially to the boycott threat. However, political analysts believe that immediate confidence-building measures—such as including community observers in investigations—could ease tensions.
Many citizens hope that justice will prevail for all victims of the violence, regardless of their background. For now, the focus remains on whether the NIA and the government will take concrete steps to rebuild trust and ensure equality before the law in Manipur.
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