GNF urges Manipur authorities to review FIR against Naga activist Ambrose D Kamei, citing fairness, restraint, due process and reconciliation
DIMAPUR — Amid renewed tensions in Manipur, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) has urged the state’s top constitutional authorities to review an FIR against Naga educator, musician and rights activist Ambrose D Kamei.
In an open appeal to Governor Nand Kishore Yadav and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the GNF expressed concern over the FIR, reportedly registered in connection with Kamei’s social-media expressions, and called for fairness, restraint and due process.
The organisation said it did not question the state’s responsibility to maintain public order or act against genuine violations of law. However, it argued that political and social expressions, including strong or critical views, must be considered within the constitutional framework of freedom of speech and expression.
The GNF questioned why Kamei had been singled out for criminal proceedings when, particularly during the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur, individuals and groups from different communities had made strong and sometimes provocative statements against one another, as well as against governments, security agencies and public authorities.
It stated that the reported involvement of the office of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Manipur, in pursuing the case raised questions about proportionality, consistency and equal application of the law.
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The organisation warned that selective action against one individual, while similar or more inflammatory expressions by others appeared to go unaddressed, could create a perception of discrimination and deepen mistrust among communities.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions over the alleged abduction and killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
Their mortal remains were recovered on June 10 and remain at the JNIMS mortuary at Porompat, according to reports.
The GNF urged the governor and chief minister to personally examine the circumstances surrounding the FIR and determine whether criminal proceedings were necessary and proportionate.
It also appealed to the government to ensure that there was no selective or disproportionate application of criminal law, saying that dialogue and reconciliation were urgently required in Manipur.
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