The Home Department of Manipur’s government has instructed the Director General of Police to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the Zomi Students’ Federation Union.
The directive aims to address the publication of a book titled “The Inevitable Split – Documents on State-sponsored ethnic cleansing in Manipur, 2023” and take strict action against the publishers, urging for a ban on the book.
The state’s Home Commissioner, T. Ranjit Singh, dispatched an urgent letter to Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, emphasizing the need for prompt and stringent measures against the individuals associated with the Zomi Students’ Federation Union responsible for releasing the aforementioned book.
The letter also requested the DGP to initiate the necessary steps to register an FIR against the accused author and organization under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Additionally, it called for appropriate actions to be taken, including the submission of a detailed proposal for the forfeiture of the book and the issuance of search warrants under Section 95 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, through a gazette notification, in the best interest of the public.
According to media reports, the book allegedly contains critical content targeting the government, holding it accountable for the outbreak of violence in Manipur since May 3. In the wake of this situation, various tribal organizations have placed blame on Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for the unrest, urging his resignation and the imposition of the President’s rule in the state.
Furthermore, ten tribal Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including seven from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have voiced their demand for a separate administration, akin to a separate state, for the tribal communities residing predominantly in the hilly areas, while the non-tribal Meitei community inhabits the valley areas.
The violent incidents originated from a tribal organization’s rally on May 3, protesting against the recognition of Meitei communities as Scheduled Tribes. Tragically, the violence in Manipur has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 150 fatalities reported so far, and approximately 600 individuals from different communities sustaining injuries. (Edited)
