Ashang Kasar resigns over UNC stricture
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 08 2025: Ashang Kasar has resigned as president of the Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur (IPFM), citing his obligation to respect a directive from the United Naga Council (UNC) that called on Nagas to stay away from the upcoming World Indigenous Day celebration in Imphal.

In his resignation letter addressed to the IPFM vice-president, Ashang Kasar mentioned that his decision was taken "in response to the United Naga Council's stricture regarding the celebration of World Indigenous Day 2025 in Imphal" .

He explained that, as a Naga citizen, he was bound to honour the sentiments and decisions of the apex Naga body and would not participate in the August 9 event.

UNC had, on July 30 and August 5, issued what it described as a "notice of stricture" directing all Nagas under its jurisdiction to refrain from attending the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples event at the City Convention, Palace Compound.

The council indicated that the event, organised "by an un mandated organisation in the name of Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur", was not in the interest of the Naga people given the "numerous reasons, factors and complexities" in the current situation.

While it did not spell out details, UNC warned that any Naga attempting to "banalise" the Naga political issue or challenge the collective stand would face "befitting actions" .

In response to the stricture, the North-East Indigenous People's Forum (NEIPF), under which IPFM Manipur chapter functions, strongly condemned UNC for what it called an open threat against Ashang.

NEIPF chairman Anup Chetia said it was "shocking and surprising" that such warnings were issued over an event hosted by IPFM on behalf of NEIPF, which is headquartered in Guwahati, Assam.

Anup Chetia stressed that the celebration was a regional observance for the entire Northeast, not a personal initiative of Ashang Kasar or IPFM, and termed UNC's objections as lacking valid explanation.

He urged the council to clarify its position and provide specific reasons for opposing the event to both NEIPF and IPFM .

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