Fri Sep 26 16:07:28 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to Thangminlen Mate, the spokesperson of the Kuki Inpi in Manipur. He was arrested by the NIA under the UAPA in connection with the killing of two Manipur Police Commandos during the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in January 2024. The court found inconsistencies in the NIA’s case, particularly the involvement of a Meitei individual in the same incident, making it unlikely that Mr. Mate, a Kuki, would be involved in the planning. The court ordered his release on bail with specific conditions.
**News Article:**
**Gauhati High Court Grants Bail to Kuki Spokesperson in UAPA Case**
**New Delhi – September 26, 2025 (9:37 PM IST)** – The Gauhati High Court has today granted bail to Thangminlen Mate, spokesperson for the Kuki Inpi in Manipur, who was arrested under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The case revolves around the deaths of two Manipur Police Commandos in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, during the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in January 2024.
Justices Michael Zothankhuma and Anjan Moni Kalita presiding over the case pointed out that the NIA had filed two separate FIRs for the same incident. Mr. Mate’s arrest memo accused him of “conspiring” and “planning” the attack. However, the court emphasized that the NIA’s investigation had also “established” the role of Waikhom Rohit, a member of the Meitei community, in the same incident.
The court noted the apparent contradiction, stating, “It is highly unlikely that the petitioner, a Kuki, would plan the attack for or with Waikhom Rohit, a Meitei.” This skepticism was central to the court’s decision to grant bail.
The charges against Mr. Mate stemmed from coordinated attacks using “bombs and firearms” against India Reserve Battalion posts and another location in Moreh on January 17, 2024, resulting in the deaths of Commandos W. Somorjit Meitei and Takhellambam Seileshor Singh.
While a special NIA court previously granted Mr. Mate bail in one related FIR, he was immediately rearrested in connection with the second FIR. The High Court overturned a subsequent denial of bail by the Special Court, ordering his release upon posting a ₹2 lakh bond and fulfilling specific conditions, including reporting to the NIA when required and refraining from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
The court elaborated on the discrepancy, observing that the deaths occurred during the same exchange of fire. It further stated, “There is no reasonable ground for believing that the accusation made against the petitioner [Mr. Mate] is prima facie true, as it is not the case of the NIA that the Kuki and Meitei elements had together attacked the IRB post or the Moreh Bazar on 17.01.2024.”
The ruling provides a significant development in a case that highlights the complexities of the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. The NIA has yet to issue a statement on the High Court’s decision.
First Piper 