In the midst of mounting tensions between tribal groups and investigative agencies in Manipur, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) addressed concerns on Monday, asserting that all arrests in the state are grounded in evidence meticulously collected by their investigative teams.

Facing the complex challenge of conducting investigations amid heightened ethnic tensions since May, officials from both agencies highlighted their efforts to conclude various cases, including those related to attacks on Army personnel in 2015, PTI reported.?

Responding to accusations by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Front (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo community, officials maintained that no bias has been shown against any community, religion, or sect. They emphasized adherence to the rule book of the Indian Penal Code in their operations.

The recent arrest of Seiminlun Gangte, identified as a key accused in an SUV blast case in the Kwakta area of Bishnupur district, was cited by officials. Gangte, a tribal, was transported to New Delhi after obtaining transit remand. The accused was presented before a designated court in the national capital, subsequently remanded to NIA custody.

Officials emphasized the meticulous adherence to legal processes, noting that evidence collected by the anti-terror agency would be presented before the competent court. They dismissed allegations as baseless, attributing them to attempts to disrupt the investigation and sow confusion among the public.

On September 22, the NIA arrested Moirangthem Anand Singh in Imphal in connection with a separate case. Singh, initially arrested by Manipur Police for possessing weapons looted from the police armory along with four others, faced NIA charges for involvement in terror activities. Officials highlighted the due legal process being followed in Singh's case.

Similarly, CBI arrests on Sunday, related to the cases of two missing Manipuri students believed to have been killed, were explained as being based on preliminary evidence from the ongoing probe. The joint operation involving the CBI, Manipur Police, and the Army aimed to prevent any adverse law-and-order situation.

The backdrop to these developments is the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur since May, triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. With more than 180 lives lost and several hundreds injured, the conflict has exposed deep-seated tensions between the Meiteis, constituting 53% of Manipur's population, and the Nagas and Kukis, who make up just over 40% and predominantly reside in the hill districts.