The Manipur police have registered a case against Muan Tombing, General Secretary of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), on charges of conspiring to wage war against the Government of India. The case was filed at the Churachandpur Police Station based on a complaint from a police officer.
The First Information Report (FIR) invokes multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those related to sedition, criminal conspiracy, and provocation with intent to incite riots. This legal action follows a controversial statement made by Tombing on November 15, wherein he issued a threat to establish a “self-governed separate administration” for the Kuki-Zo areas if the Manipur government did not address their demands for separate administration within two weeks.
Tombing’s statement expressed frustration, saying, “It has been over six months, and nothing has been done regarding our demand for a separate administration from the Manipur government. So, if our voice is not heard within a couple of weeks, we will set up our self-government.”
He said, “Irrespective of whether the Centre recognizes it or not, we will go ahead. As in a state or a union territory, we will set up a self-government that will look into all matters in the Kuki-Zo areas. We have to do this since our voice has not been heard.”
Law Minister Basantakumar announced on November 16 that robust legal measures are being taken against the ITLF and any individuals associated with the contentious pronouncement.
The Law Minister stated, “The statement has no legal or constitutional basis. This irresponsible statement appears to be motivated and aimed at vitiating and disturbing the law and order situation of the state.”
