ABAVP North East Condemns FIR Against KSO Leader, Calls It "State-Sponsored Intimidation"

The Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP) – North East Zone has issued a strong condemnation of the recent FIR filed by Manipur Police against its Vice-President, Paojakhup Guite, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at silencing Adivasi voices.

In a statement released by the organization’s North East Zonal Team, the FIR was described as an act of “state-sponsored intimidation” against Mr. Guite, a respected leader of the Kuki Adivasi community. The Parishad emphasized that this action reflects the long-standing marginalisation and socio-political exclusion of tribal communities in the region.

Guite had recently voiced community concerns during an address in Churachandpur, questioning the timing and intent of the Shirui Lily Festival amidst ongoing ethnic tensions and alleged encroachments into buffer zones. The ABAVP defended his remarks as a reflection of widespread fears among Kuki Adivasis, who have faced systemic neglect and vilification.

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The organization also criticized the apparent double standards in the state's approach to law enforcement. It pointed out that while Mr. Guite faces legal action for speaking out, individuals such as Prof. Premananda, Korounganba Khuman, Robin Mangang, Pramot Singh, and the Meira Paibis of Ningthoukhong—accused of inciting hate speech—remain untouched.

“This selective enforcement exposes a deep bias within the state machinery,” the statement read, adding that the targeting of Guite is part of a broader pattern of repression faced by tribal communities across India.

Calling for the immediate withdrawal of the FIR, the ABAVP asserted that “speaking truth to power is a constitutional right, not sedition.” The youth wing of the organization vowed to continue resisting “fear with resolve, and silence with the demand for justice.”

The statement concluded with a message of solidarity from the Adivasi youth of the North East, reaffirming their commitment to democratic resistance and tribal rights.