Khanuithot-Khon on 14 April 2026 submitted a memorandum to Hon’ble Prime Minister of India demanding immediate legal and administrative action regarding the unconstitutional and bias conduct of central Security Forces in the conflict between Naga and Kuki Refugees, in the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts.
The memorandum reads “we, Khanuithot-Khon (The Voice of the Naga Youth), representing the collective voice and constitutional aspirations of the Naga youth of the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts, submit this memorandum as a matter of grave constitutional urgency. This representation is grounded not merely in perception but in an accumulating pattern of conduct that prima facie suggests a breach of constitutional guarantees and statutory obligations by certain units of the Central Security Forces deployed in these districts.
LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
The conduct of all Central Security Forces in the ongoing conflict between the Tangkhul Naga indigenous community and the Kuki refugees in the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts, is circumscribed by the Constitution of India and binding statutory norms. In particular, Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. Article 21 ensures the protection of life and personal liberty, which includes the right to live with dignity and security.
Article 355 casts a constitutional duty upon the Union to protect every State against internal disturbance and to ensure that governance is carried on in accordance with the Constitution. Additionally, all security operations must adhere to established principles of natural justice, non-discrimination, and proportionality in the use of force, as recognised in Indian jurisprudence and operational doctrines.
STATEMENT OF GRIEVANCES
We formally place on record the following serious concerns, which warrant immediate legal scrutiny. There is credible ground to believe that enforcement actions by Central Security Forces appear to indicate differential application of force, potentially affecting the Tangkhul Naga indigenous community, while comparable scrutiny is not consistently observed in relation to similarly situated actors from Kuki refugee-linked militant elements.
Instances of inaction in the face of armed activities by Kuki refugee-linked militant elements raise serious concerns and may warrant scrutiny in light of the Union’s obligations under Article 355. Where State agents fail to prevent unlawful acts despite possessing the capacity to do so, such omissions give rise to questions of accountability and require careful examination within the constitutional framework.
Reports of intimidation, coercion, and alleged protection of Kuki refugee militant groups, along with suppression of Naga civilian voices, raise serious concerns and require verification regarding possible infringement of Article 21 protections and the broader doctrine of substantive due process.
These actions and omissions, if established, may attract judicial review under Articles 32 and 226, enabling affected parties to seek enforcement of fundamental rights before the Hon’ble Supreme Court or High Courts. Accountability under Service and Conduct Rules governing the Central Armed Police Forces, as well as potential legal consequences in cases involving abuse of authority or wilful negligence leading to harm, may also arise upon due examination.
We submit that continued inaction in the face of these concerns risks institutionalising impunity and eroding public confidence in the rule of law.
The recent interview of Shri Govindas Konthoujam, Hon’ble Home Minister, Manipur, indicated that a hybrid security meeting attended by the Chief Minister of Manipur and the Governor was chaired by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on 20th March 2026. During the meeting, directions were issued 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.
DEMANDS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
In light of the foregoing, we formally and respectfully seek the following:
1. 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 Central Security Forces in the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts.
2. 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.
3. A comprehensive review of current deployment structures, including identification and appropriate action in cases where conduct prima facie suggests deviation from neutrality.
4. If neutrality cannot be demonstrably ensured within a reasonable timeframe, the continued presence of such forces may require reassessment, including consideration of appropriate administrative measures in the interest of conflict de-escalation.
5. We respectfully place 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.
6. This memorandum is not an act of defiance but a constitutionally grounded appeal for justice, accountability, and restoration of public trust. The Naga youth of the hill districts of Manipur, particularly Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts, remain committed to peace and unity, but such unity must be anchored in fairness, legality, and equal protection under the law.
‘We trust that your office will treat this matter with the seriousness it warrants and initiates appropriate corrective measures” stated the memorandum submitted by Khanuithot-Khon (The Voice of the Naga Youth) from Ukhrul District, Manipur
The memorandum was also copied to Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister, Manipur and Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur.
