MIYC condemns FIR against Ashang Kasar, calls it calculated smear
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 24 2025: The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has strongly condemned the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against prominent social activist and political analyst Ashang Kasar by the Sangaikot Sub-division Defence Committee at the Sangaikot police station in Churachandpur district.

The FIR, lodged on May 22, is based on an alleged "inflammatory statement" circulated via a fake social media account fraudulently created in Ashang Kasar's name on X (@Ashang_Kasar) .

In a press release issued on Saturday, MIYC asserted that Ashang Kasar never authored, endorsed, or shared the content in question and described the allegation as a calculated smear aimed at silencing a leading civil society voice.

The organisation said that the FIR was baseless and part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent under the guise of legal action.

MIYC noted that the targeting of Ashang Kasar is not an isolated case, but part of a sustained effort by certain elements within the Kuki-Zo community to defame him.

"Spreading counterfeit narratives, distorting facts, and resorting to intimidation have failed to alter the truth of Ashang Kasar's lifelong dedication to peace, justice, and constructive dialogue," the release stated.

The organisation condemned what it called the misuse of law enforcement mechanisms to stifle free speech and dissent, warning that such actions erode public trust and violate constitutional rights.

"India's democratic fabric is strengthened by open debate and the protection of minority voices, not by manufactured grievances or coerced confessions," MIYC added.

The organisation called for immediate withdrawal of the FIR, a thorough investigation into the fake account, and legal action against those behind the malicious defamation.

Reaffirming solidarit/with Ashang Kasar, MIYC urged law enforcement agencies, elected representatives, and civil society to stand against the "disgraceful misuse of the law" and uphold the principles of justice, truth, and freedom of expression.

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