Case filed against Kuki-Zo leader in Manipur over demand for "self-government"

Muan Tombing, general secretary of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), is facing charges from the Manipur police for allegedly "conspiring to wage war against the Government of India."

After a police officer made a report, the case was registered at the Churachandpur Police Station. A number of sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those pertaining to criminal conspiracy, sedition, and provocation with the aim to instigate riots, are cited in the FIR.

This legal action follows Tombing's controversial statement on Wednesday, November 15, in which he threatened to create a "self-governed separate administration" for the Kuki-Zo areas if the demands for separate administration from the Manipur government were not addressed within two weeks, India Today reported.

Tombing said, "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."

"Irrespective of whether the Centre recognises 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," Tombing added.

Aware of the possible ramifications of making such a claim, Law Minister Basantakumar declared on Thursday, November 16, that the ITLF and anyone connected to the controversial statement would face severe legal action.

"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,” said the Law Minister.