Manipur tribal body demands impartial probe into church leaders' deaths

The Thadou Inpi Manipur, a prominent tribal organisation, has raised serious questions about the ongoing investigation into the deaths of three church leaders, urging authorities to ensure impartiality in the probe.

The organisation has criticised what it describes as sluggish progress in the case, noting that the absence of publicly announced arrests has fuelled doubts about the investigation's transparency and credibility. The concerns underscore growing anxiety within Manipur's Christian community and tribal leaders about the handling of the sensitive case.

The killings have added to tensions in Manipur, which has been gripped by ethnic violence since May 2023. Religious minorities and tribal groups have repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety and the state's capacity to investigate crimes effectively amid the ongoing conflict.

The Thadou Inpi Manipur's intervention reflects broader community demands for accountability and thorough investigation into the incident. The organisation has called for the National Investigation Agency to take over the case to ensure an impartial and credible probe that would restore public confidence in the justice system.

Authorities have not yet responded formally to the tribal body's demands for an independent investigation into the church leaders' deaths.