Global Naga Forum joins controversy around FIR against Zeliangron youth musician Ambrose D Kamei ::: Says his views "should not become reason for criminal prosecution"

In a statement, the Global Naga Forum has urged Manipur Governor A K Bhalla and chief minister Y Khemchand Singh for their intervention on matters related to Ambrose D Kamei, "an educator and musician". 

 

"Our concern is not to place any individual above the law. Rather, it is to understand why a particular young Naga citizen has been singled out for criminal proceedings when, particularly during the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur, individuals and groups belonging to different communities have made numerous strong, critical and sometimes highly provocative statements," the statement said.  

On Sept 6t; the Zeliangrong Youth Front Nagaland (ZYFN) had issued a press statement regarding FIR No. 15(7) 2026 CCPS, reportedly registered against Zeliangrong youth Ambrose D. Kamei.

The youngster is also popular 'Ambrose Free Bird'.

FIR was filed in connection with three Facebook posts.

The ZYFN stressed that an FIR does not amount to a conviction and urged authorities to conduct a fair, impartial and proportionate investigation.

The ZYFN said it respects the "rule of law" while maintaining that peaceful expression concerning Naga history, rights, dignity, security and political aspirations should not itself be criminalised when within the bounds of law.

The Global Naga Forum said:

"Ambrose D. Kamei is known not only for his social-media presence but also as an educator and musician, and as someone who has been publicly engaged with issues concerning Naga rights and the welfare of his people. 

Like many young people in conflict-affected Manipur, he has expressed strong views on matters that directly affect his community and society." 

The Forum said certain questions could be raised about "proportionality, consistency and equal application of the law". 

"We respectfully believe that such questions deserve a fair and transparent consideration by the highest authorities of the State."

"His (Ambrose's) views may not always be agreeable to everyone, including those in authority. 

Nevertheless, disagreement with a citizen's political or social views should not, by itself, become a reason for criminal prosecution," the Forum said.  

It also maintained : "At a time when Manipur continues to face deep ethnic divisions, mistrust and painful political differences, the Government has an especially important responsibility to demonstrate fairness, restraint and even-handedness. 

"Selective action against one individual, while similarly strong or even more inflammatory expressions from others appear to go unaddressed, can unintentionally create a perception of discrimination and deepen existing mistrust among communities.   

"We therefore respectfully appeal to the Hon’ble Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister to personally look into the circumstances surrounding the FIR against Ambrose D. Kamei .....

"We further appeal to the Government to consider whether criminal proceedings are truly necessary and proportionate in the circumstances, particularly where the underlying issue concerns political or social expression. 

"At a time when dialogue and reconciliation are urgently required in Manipur, the State's response to dissent should ideally contribute to confidence building rather than further alienation," the Forum said.  

Ambrose  has reportedly been booked under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to promoting enmity or statements harmful to national integration.

It was alleged that his posts contained 'misleading statements' capable of escalating regional tension.

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