UKHRUL: Khanuithot-Khon (Voice of the Naga Youth) has addressed a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India on the “Demand for Immediate Legal and Administrative Action Regarding the Unconstitutional and Biased Conduct of Central Security Forces in the Conflict between Naga and Kuki refugees in the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.”
Referring to the Constitution of India, Khanuithot-Khon stated that the conduct of all Central Security Forces in the ongoing conflict between the Tangkhul Naga indigenous community and Kuki refugees in the hill districts of Manipur is governed by constitutional provisions. It cited Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws; Article 21, which ensures the protection of life and personal liberty; and Article 355, which places a constitutional duty upon the Union to protect every state against internal disturbance and ensure that governance is carried out in accordance with the Constitution.
Khanuithot-Khon has alleged that enforcement actions by Central Security Forces appear to indicate a differential application of force, adversely affecting the Tangkhul Naga indigenous community. The Naga youth body further claimed that comparable scrutiny is not consistently observed in relation to similarly situated actors linked to Kuki refugee militant elements.
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“Reports of intimidation, coercion, and alleged protection of Kuki refugee militant groups, along with the suppression of Naga civilian voices, raise serious concerns and require verification regarding possible infringement of Article 21 protections and the broader doctrine of substantive due process,” it stated. It further added that where State agents fail to prevent unlawful acts despite possessing the capacity to do so, such omissions give rise to questions of accountability and require careful examination within the constitutional framework.
Khanuithot-Khon has also called for judicial review under Articles 32 and 226, enabling affected parties to seek enforcement of fundamental rights before the Supreme Court or High Courts. The organisation stated that accountability under the Service and Conduct Rules governing the Central Armed Police Forces, as well as potential legal consequences in cases involving abuse of authority or wilful negligence leading to harm, may arise upon due examination.
Recalling a recent meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 20, 2026, and attended by the Chief Minister of Manipur, the Governor, and State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, it noted that directions were issued to prevent the movement of armed groups in both hill and valley districts. Search operations were also to be conducted against all armed groups except those under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement, along with the recovery of all looted arms by May.
Highlighting the current ground situation, Khanuithot-Khon added, “Certain SoO cadres are perceived to be operating beyond designated camps. Such developments warrant scrutiny and strict compliance with SoO ground rules, including a review of designated camp locations to ensure long-term stability and peace.”
In light of these concerns, the Naga youth body has called for a time-bound, independent inquiry led by a sitting or retired High Court judge to examine allegations of bias, misconduct, and possible dereliction of duty by Central Security Forces in the hill districts, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong. It has further sought the immediate issuance of clear and enforceable directives mandating strict neutrality, supported by accountability mechanisms such as audits, transparent incident reporting, and appropriate disciplinary measures where necessary.
Additionally, it has urged a comprehensive review of current deployment structures, including the identification of instances where conduct prima facie suggests deviation from neutrality and the initiation of appropriate action.
The memorandum further states that if neutrality cannot be demonstrably ensured within a reasonable timeframe, the continued presence of such forces may require reassessment, including the consideration of appropriate administrative measures in the interest of conflict de-escalation.
It also cautioned that failure to address these concerns may compel affected stakeholders, including civil society and youth bodies, to seek legal remedies before competent constitutional courts, including petitions for judicial intervention, independent monitoring, and enforcement of fundamental rights.
The organisation emphasised that the memorandum is not an act of defiance but a constitutionally grounded appeal for justice, accountability, and the restoration of public trust. It added that the Naga youth of the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong, remain committed to peace and unity, but such unity must be anchored in fairness, legality, and equal protection under the law.