PM apprised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2026: In a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khanuithot-Khon (The Voice of the Naga Youth) has demanded immediate legal and administrative action regarding the "unconstitutional and biased" conduct of Central Security Forces (CSFs) in the conflict between the Nagas and the Kukis in the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong.

In the letter, Kanuithot-Khon has urged the Prime Minister to launch a time-bound, independent inquiry led by a sitting or retired High Court Judge to examine concerns of bias, misconduct, and possible dereliction of duty by CSFs in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

Raising a serious concern, Khanuithot-Khon said there is credible ground to believe that enforcement actions by CSFs appear to indicate differential application of force, potentially affecting the Tangkhul Naga indigenous community, while comparable scrutiny is not consistently observed in relation to "Kuki refugee-linked militant elements".

It also alleged instances of inaction in the face of armed activities by "Kuki refugee-linked militant elements", intimidation, coercion, and protection of Kuki refugee militant groups, along with suppression of Naga civilian voices.

As such, it has called for immediate issuance of clear and enforceable directives mandating strict neutrality, supported by accountability mechanisms including audits, transparent incident reporting, and appropriate disciplinary measures where necessary for CSFs.

Khanuithot-Khon has further raised a demand for a comprehensive review of current deployment structures of the CSFs, including identification and appropriate action in cases where conduct prima facie suggests deviation from neutrality.

However, if neutrality cannot be ensured within a reasonable timeframe, Khanuithot-Khon maintained that the continued presence of such forces may require reassessment in the interest of conflict de-escalation.

It also commented on the directives given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 20 during a hybrid security meeting attended by the Chief Minister and Governor of Manipur, as informed by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam.

Instructions were issued by the Union Home Minister to prevent movement of armed groups in both hill and valley districts, conduct search operations against all armed groups except those under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, and recover all looted arms by the month of May.

However, the current ground situation raises concerns that this may have resulted in operational gaps, wherein certain SoO cadres are perceived to be operating beyond designated camps.

Such developments warrant scrutiny and strict compliance with SoO ground rules, including appropriate review of designated camp locations to ensure long-term stability and peace, said Khanuithot-Khon.

It has placed on record that failure to address these concerns may compel affected stakeholders, including civil society and youth bodies, to seek appropriate legal remedies before competent constitutional courts, including petitions for judicial intervention, independent monitoring, and enforcement of fundamental rights.

Continued inaction despite these serious concerns risks institutionalising impunity and eroding public confidence in the rule of law, added Khanuithot-Khon.

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