GNF seeks fairness, restraint in FIR against Ambrose Kamei

IMPHAL, SEP 9 (NPN): Global Naga Forum (GNF) has appealed to Manipur governor and chief minister to ensure fairness, restraint and due process in the FIR registered against Naga educator, musician and rights activist Ambrose D. Kamei, reportedly in connection with his social media expressions.
In an appeal, GNF convenor Chuba Ozukum and general secretary Lakpachui Siro said it did not question the State’s responsibility to maintain public order or act in cases of genuine violation of law. However, it said public expressions, particularly on social media, should be considered within the constitutional framework of freedom of speech and expression and the circumstances in which they were made.
The forum said its concern was not to place any individual above the law, but to understand why a particular young Naga citizen had been singled out for criminal proceedings when, during the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur, individuals and groups from different communities had made strong, critical and sometimes provocative statements against one another, governments, security agencies and public authorities.
Against this backdrop, the reported involvement of the office of the ADGP, Manipur, in pursuing Kamei raised questions of proportionality, consistency and equal application of the law, the GNF said.
The forum said Kamei was known as an educator and musician and had been publicly engaged with issues concerning Naga rights and the welfare of his people. It said his views might not always be agreeable to everyone, including those in authority, but disagreement with a citizen’s political or social views should not, by itself, become a reason for criminal prosecution.
GNF said that amid continuing ethnic divisions, mistrust and political differences in Manipur, the government had a responsibility to demonstrate fairness, restraint and even-handedness. Selective action against one individual while similarly strong or more inflammatory expressions from others appeared to go unaddressed could create a perception of discrimination and deepen mistrust among communities, it said.
It appealed to the Governor and chief minister to personally look into the circumstances surrounding the FIR and ensure that the matter was examined objectively, fairly and in accordance with constitutional principles.
It also urged the government to consider whether criminal proceedings were necessary and proportionate, particularly where the underlying issue concerned political or social expression.
GNF said the State’s response to dissent should contribute to confidence-building rather than further alienation at a time when dialogue and reconciliation were urgently required.
It further appealed for a review of the FIR and circumstances leading to it, ensuring there was no selective or disproportionate application of criminal law, and for appropriate steps to bring the matter to a “just and equitable conclusion”.