An Open Appeal for Fairness, Restraint and Due Process Regarding the FIR against Ambrose D. Kamei
To,
The Hon’ble Governor of Manipur
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur
Hon’ble Governor and Hon’ble Chief Minister,
The Global Naga Forum (GNF) respectfully brings to your attention its serious concern regarding the FIR registered against Mr. Ambrose D. Kamei, a young Naga educator, musician and Naga rights activist, reportedly in connection with his social-media expressions.
At the outset, we wish to make it clear that the GNF does not question the responsibility of the State to maintain public order and to act whenever there is a genuine violation of law. We also recognize that public expressions, particularly on social media, can sometimes be strong, provocative or deeply critical. However, in a democratic society, such expressions must be considered within the larger constitutional framework of freedom of speech and expression and the circumstances in which they are made.
Our concern is not to place any individual above the law. Rather, it is to understand why a particular young Naga citizen has been singled out for criminal proceedings when, particularly during the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur, individuals and groups belonging to different communities have made numerous strong, critical and sometimes highly provocative statements against one another, as well as against governments, security agencies and public authorities.
Against this backdrop, the reported involvement of the office of the ADGP, Manipur in pursuing a particular young Naga citizen naturally raises questions about proportionality, consistency and equal application of the law. We respectfully believe that such questions deserve a fair and transparent consideration by the highest authorities of the State.
Ambrose D. Kamei is known not only for his social-media presence but also as an educator and musician, and as someone who has been publicly engaged with issues concerning Naga rights and the welfare of his people. Like many young people in conflict-affected Manipur, he has expressed strong views on matters that directly affect his community and society. His views may not always be agreeable to everyone, including those in authority. Nevertheless, disagreement with a citizen’s political or social views should not, by itself, become a reason for criminal prosecution.
At a time when Manipur continues to face deep ethnic divisions, mistrust and painful political differences, the Government has an especially important responsibility to demonstrate fairness, restraint and even-handedness. Selective action against one individual, while similarly strong or even more inflammatory expressions from others appear to go unaddressed, can unintentionally create a perception of discrimination and deepen existing mistrust among communities.
We therefore respectfully appeal to the Hon’ble Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister to personally look into the circumstances surrounding the FIR against Ambrose D. Kamei and ensure that the matter is examined objectively, fairly and in accordance with constitutional principles.
We further appeal to the Government to consider whether criminal proceedings are truly necessary and proportionate in the circumstances, particularly where the underlying issue concerns political or social expression. At a time when dialogue and reconciliation are urgently required in Manipur, the State’s response to dissent should ideally contribute to confidence building rather than further alienation.
The Global Naga Forum firmly believes that democracy is strengthened not by suppressing uncomfortable opinions, but by creating the space to hear, debate and respond to them within the framework of law. The Government’s willingness to demonstrate restraint and fairness in this case would send an important message that every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, political position or social standing, is entitled to equal protection and equal treatment under the law.
We therefore respectfully request the Hon’ble Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister to review the FIR and the circumstances leading to it, ensure that there is no selective or disproportionate application of criminal law, and consider appropriate steps to bring the matter to a just and equitable conclusion.
This appeal is made in the spirit of democratic engagement and with due respect for the constitutional offices you hold. We sincerely hope that your intervention will help prevent further escalation, uphold public confidence in the impartiality of the State, and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful environment in Manipur.
Yours sincerely,
(CHUBA OZUKUM)
Convenor
(LAKPACHUI SIRO)
General Secretary
(The views expressed are those of the writer and not of the newspaper)
