Manipur Govt bans book on Manipur conflict; ZSF not astonished

The Manipur government has banned a book called- “The Inevitable Split- Documents on State-sponsored ethnic cleansing in Manipur, 2023” compiled and published by the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) and Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Lamka.

T. Ranjit Singh, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur, has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take stern actions against the members of the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) Union who published the book and also to ban further publication of the book.

The ban on the book was taken up following a complaint lodged by Thokchom Punshiba Singh, Advocate, BA, LLB from Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai, Imphal West. An FIR against the accused author and organization was registered u/s 154, of IPC at Imphal West Police Station.

Strongly reacting to the notification, the Zomi Students’ Federation, General Headquarters, said the Federation is not astonished to the government’s order banning the book and stated that they would not shy away from the government’s suppression of their freedom of speech and expression, which is enshrined in the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution. Moreover, ZSF said many publications are in the pipeline to make the rights and sentiments of the Zo ethnic groups.

In a press communique issued on Sunday, ZSF said they have no thunderstruck on the recent notification issued by T. Ranjit Singh, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur (Vide No. H-17/218/2023-HD-HD) on the book named “THE INEVITABLE SPLIT ON STATE SPONSORED ETHNIC CLEANSING 2023” which was published by ZSF & KSO, Lamka.

“What is more amusing is that the Government of Manipur has been unleashing thousands of lies in the electronic and printed media since May 3, 2023. This ethnic cleansing is crystal clear that it is premeditated and preplanned. Moreover, it is sponsored and led by the state’s government. Hence, we squarely blamed the Manipur Government led by Meitei CM N. Biren Singh,” said ZSF.

The students' federation demanded justice for all the Zo ethnic groups in Manipur in general and all the victims in particular. For this, there is no point in talking and lamenting about the restoration of “Peace” in the state of Manipur. There is no point in going back and settling again in the Imphal Valley while waiting for their second chance of annihilation of the Zo ethnic groups, ZSF said.

ZSF also stated that the “Inevitable Split from the state of Manipur and co-existence with it as a neighbouring state” is the need of the hour. It, therefore, urged the Government of India to grant a new political settlement under the framework of the Constitution of India.

"Political Solution Precedes Peace. Nothing More and Nothing Less," ZSF said.

The ZSF also warn: "Whoever is coerced with this at the individual/Organizational level, we shall deal with them without having any restraint."