UKHRUL: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has appealed to the governor and chief minister of Manipur to review the FIR registered against a a Naga educator, musician and rights activist Ambrose D. Kamei over his alleged social media expressions, calling for fairness, restraint and due process.
In an open appeal, the GNF said it did not question the State’s responsibility to maintain public order or take action where there is a genuine violation of law. However, it maintained that expressions made in public, including those on social media, must be considered within the constitutional framework of freedom of speech and expression and the circumstances in which they were made.
The organisation said its concern was not to place Kamei above the law, but to question why a particular young Naga citizen had been subjected to criminal proceedings when individuals and groups from different communities have, during the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur, made strong and sometimes provocative statements against one another, as well as against governments, security forces and public authorities.
The GNF also raised questions over the reported involvement of the office of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Manipur, in pursuing the case, saying this warranted consideration in terms of proportionality, consistency and the equal application of the law.
According to the GNF, Kamei is known not only for his work as an educator and musician but also for his public engagement with issues concerning Naga rights and the welfare of his community.
The forum said that while his views may not be agreeable to everyone, including those in authority, disagreement with a citizen’s political or social views should not, by itself, become grounds for criminal prosecution.
The GNF further said the State had an important responsibility to demonstrate fairness and even-handedness at a time when Manipur continues to face ethnic divisions, mistrust and political differences.
ALSO READ: Naga Orgs Express Solidarity with Ambrose D. Kamai Against FIR
“Selective action against one individual, while similarly strong or even more inflammatory expressions from others appear to go unaddressed,” the organisation said, could create a perception of discrimination and deepen mistrust between communities.
The forum appealed to the governor and chief minister to personally examine the circumstances surrounding the FIR and ensure that the matter is dealt with objectively and in accordance with constitutional principles.
It also urged the government to consider whether criminal proceedings were necessary and proportionate, particularly if the case concerned political or social expression.
The GNF said that with dialogue and reconciliation remaining critical to Manipur’s recovery from the ongoing conflict, the State’s response to dissent should contribute to confidence-building rather than further alienation.
ALSO READ: CM Khemchand visits family of Chongtham Vikram, assures justice
The organisation maintained that democracy was strengthened by allowing uncomfortable opinions to be heard, debated and addressed within the framework of law, rather than by suppressing them.
It said government intervention in the case, with due regard to equal protection and treatment under the law, could help uphold public confidence in the impartiality of the State.
The appeal, the organisation said, was made in the spirit of democratic engagement and with respect for the constitutional offices of the Governor and Chief Minister, with the hope that intervention would prevent further escalation and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful environment in Manipur.
