Chief Secretary under fire for accepting inflammatory memorandum
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, January 08 2025:
The Manipur Chief Secretary has come under intense criticism for allegedly accepting a memorandum that contains inflammatory, provocative, and communally charged language.
The document, reportedly submitted on January 8, 2025, allegedly accused a group of serious offenses and issued an ultimatum for eviction.
Legal experts and social activists in Kangpokpi have raised concerns over how such a document, which "appears to violate multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), was received and acknowledged by a Government office".
The memorandum allegedly signed by the Chief of Konsakhul village, along with the village authority's Chairman and Secretary in the village authority's letterhead was reportedly received by the Chief Secretary's office.
The memorandum allegedly accused the Leilon Vaiphei community of violating a "lease agreement" and alleged anti-social activities targeting Naga villagers in the Konsaram area.
Alleging assault and outrage of modesty, the memorandum demanded eviction of the community within 15 days.
The memorandum allegedly threatened violence, stating, "If there is any "bloodshed" spilled in the process of eviction, you will be held responsible for that" .
The memorandum's language and content could constitute serious violations under the IPC Section 153A, Section 503 and Section 505(1)(b), claimed legal experts.
A social activist in the district, Len Haokip said, "By acknowledging such a document, the Manipur Chief Secretary's office risks legitimizing hate and violence.
This sets a dangerous precedent and contradicts the very foundation of democratic governance.
The incident raises pressing questions about the protocols in place for screening and rejecting communications that contain incendiary language.
Public institutions are duty-bound to reject any representation that incites violence or undermines communal harmony.
Accepting such documents not only emboldens perpetrators but also violates the trust of the public, he added.
The Manipur Chief Secretariat must clarify its stance and initiate an internal investigation to determine how such a memorandum was processed.
Furthermore, the individuals responsible for drafting and submitting the inflammatory content should face legal scrutiny, added Len.
In a volatile State like Manipur, where inter-ethnic relations are sensitive, it is imperative for Government institutions to act as neutral and lawful arbiters, Len said.