Different Naga bodies condemns demand for suspenison of Manipur IGP Themthing

Condemnations has poured in from different Naga bodies over the report sent by the office of Manipur Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba to the Manipur Governor demanding suspension of Manipur IGP Themthing Ngashangva in connection with the incident in Imphal on November 20 at the MP's residence .

On November 20, the IDPs in Imphal launched a protest opposing the Sangai Festival for the current year. Amidst the protest, the IGP who was trying to take control of the situation reportedly went inside the residence of the MP.

Reacting to the alleged action of the IGP, the personal secretary of the MP later sent a complaint report to the governor of Manipur against the IGP “for his unruly behaviour and threat against the sitting M.P Rajya Sabha and Maharaja of Manipur, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba and his security personnel”.

The secretary had stated that " the IGP barged inside the residential compound of the MP and threatened the security personnel of the MP that he will file FIR against them by charging that the MP is responsible for organising rally of the IDP by sheltering them and giving them refuge".

Claiming that the IGP shouted and threatened the security personnel of the MP, the secretary urged for necessary action against the IGP to restore the dignity and the respect of the MP and also demanded that the IGP may be placed under suspension.

In response to the report from the MP’s office , Tangkhul Naga Long, apex body of Tangkhul community  stated that the incident speaks volume of how the state of Manipur is administered and governed.

TNL stated that the matter that otherwise, should have been treated as ordinary administrative issue, has been hijacked to the top of public interests.

“As people's representative, the minimum that is expected of the MP is to find out the veracity of the issue at stake from the IGP who was present right on the spot taking control of the tense situation at that very point of time. Far from it, he unilaterally drew his own conclusion, the kind of which can and would happen in kangaroo court” stated the release

TNL demanded that a high powered Enquiry Committee/Commission headed by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court/High Court from outside Manipur be immediately set up to unearth the issue in its entire perspectives and that they may also be given one month time for submission of their report.

All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) issued a release stating that selective target to the Naga officer carrying out his responsibilities diligently during such challenging and volatile situation by the office of the MP and the Maharaja of Manipur whom the association considered as the symbol of Meiteis community is shocking and highly uncalled for.

ANSAM stated that it is unfortunate to see the simmering communal feelings trending in the social medias being triggered by the very act and move of Maharaja's Office has put the harmony and peaceful coexistence in question,

“ANSAM seriously viewed the unfolding act as a deliberate insult not only to the officer himself but to the entire Naga community. The community feels collectively wounded and aggrieved” the release added.

In this fragile moment in Manipur's society, ANSAM urges the concerned parties especially MP to personally intervene and withdraw the complaint immediately to prevent further escalation.

Rongmei Naga Students Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) in a release stated that the organisation is concerned about communal narratives and defamatory social media posts that can undermine public trust and vilify a dedicated officer.

“On several occasions, officers are blamed if they fail to perform, and blamed if they stand their ground too! This trend of targeting dutiful officers must not find place in our matured society” RNSOM stated.

Stating that people of Manipur must work towards restoring a popular government instead of targeting any officers performing their duties, the organisation also appealed  to the Government of India to make every effort to restore normalcy in the state, allowing citizens to travel freely, prosper, and live in peace.

RNSOM urged all citizens to refrain from spreading unverified content and prioritize responsibility and respect in public communication to preserve peace and trust among communities.

The Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI) also registers its strong objection and deep indignation at the report submitted to the Governor  and stated that the complaint-built entirely on a one-sided, unverified, and incomplete narrative-targets a senior police officer who was executing his lawful duties in an extremely volatile situation involving aggressive protesters.

Headman of Phalee Village, the native village of IGP Themthing appealed  to the Maharaja of Manipur to work for communal harmony and peaceful co-existence of every community in the state.