Dimapur, September 9 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed serious concern over the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Ambrose D Kamei, a young Naga educator, musician, and rights activist, over his social media posts.
In a formal representation addressed jointly to the Governor and the Chief Minister of Manipur, the forum appealed to the state’s top leadership to intervene personally, review the circumstances surrounding the police case, and ensure that the matter is assessed objectively within constitutional principles.
Clarifying that it does not question the state's mandate to maintain public order or seek to place any individual above the law, the GNF noted that critical public discourse—particularly in a democratic framework—must be evaluated within the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression.
The forum questioned why Kamei was being "singled out" for criminal prosecution, pointing out that numerous individuals and groups across diverse communities have repeatedly made strong, critical, and provocative remarks against one another, the government, and security agencies amid the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Highlighting the reported role of the office of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in pursuing proceedings against Kamei, the GNF stated that the development raises serious concerns regarding proportionality, consistency, and equal application of the law.
Describing Kamei as an educator, musician, and vocal advocate for Naga rights, the GNF observed that while his perspectives on issues affecting his community might not align with everyone, mere political or social disagreement should not form the basis for criminal prosecution.
The forum stressed that selective action during a period of acute ethnic polarisation and mistrust risks creating perceptions of discrimination and deepening community divides. It urged the state administration to exercise institutional restraint and consider whether criminal proceedings are necessary or proportionate when dealing with social and political dissent.
Emphasising that genuine democracy thrives by providing space for debate rather than stifling dissenting voices, the GNF urged the Governor and Chief Minister to ensure that criminal law is not applied selectively, and to take appropriate steps to bring the matter to an equitable resolution to foster confidence and peace across Manipur.
