Naga youth body moves PM alleging bias by Central Forces in Manipur hills, seeks judicial probe

Khanuithot Khon, a Naga youth organisation, has submitted a detailed memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging “unconstitutional and biased conduct” by certain units of Central Security Forces operating in Manipur’s hill districts and seeking immediate legal and administrative intervention.
The memorandum, submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office on April 14, 2026, raises concerns over security operations in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts amid the ongoing tensions involving Tangkhul Naga communities and Kuki groups. The organisation claimed that the situation has exposed alleged lapses in neutrality, consistency in enforcement, and constitutional accountability.
Positioning its appeal within the framework of the Constitution, Khanuithot Khon invoked Articles 14 and 21, stressing equality before the law and protection of life and personal liberty as guiding principles for all security operations. It also referred to Article 355, which mandates the Union Government to protect states against internal disturbances while ensuring governance in accordance with constitutional provisions. The organisation alleged an “emerging pattern” in which certain Central forces have applied force differentially, purportedly affecting sections of the Tangkhul Naga population, while action against alleged Kuki militant elements linked to refugee groups appeared inconsistent.
The memorandum pointed to reported instances of inaction against armed activities attributed to Kuki groups, raising questions over accountability. It further alleged incidents of intimidation, coercion, and suppression of civilian voices, warning that such actions, if substantiated, could amount to violations of fundamental rights and invite judicial scrutiny under constitutional provisions. The youth body cautioned that failure to address these concerns could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Khanuithot Khon also cited a high-level security review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 20, 2026, which was attended by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. According to the memorandum, directions issued during the meeting included preventing the movement of armed groups across hill and valley areas, conducting operations against armed actors except those under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, and recovering looted weapons by May 2026. However, the organisation claimed that ground-level implementation reflects gaps, alleging that some SoO cadres are operating beyond designated camps, and called for strict enforcement of SoO ground rules along with a review of camp locations.
The memorandum placed several demands before the Centre, including a time-bound independent inquiry led by a sitting or retired High Court judge into alleged bias and misconduct by Central forces in Ukhrul and Kamjong, issuance of clear directives ensuring operational neutrality, and a comprehensive review of deployment structures in sensitive areas. It also called for reassessment of force deployment if neutrality cannot be ensured within a reasonable timeframe.
Clarifying its position, Khanuithot Khon stated that the memorandum is not an act of confrontation but a constitutional appeal aimed at restoring accountability and public trust. Copies of the memorandum have also been submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, seeking coordinated intervention at both central and state levels.
The development signals a growing push by Naga youth groups for institutional redress and constitutional safeguards as tensions continue to shape the security landscape in Manipur’s hill districts.