As accusations fly over a threatening post aimed at Kukis, activist Ashang Kasar denies authorship, blaming impersonation. Kukis demand digital forensics and balanced legal action.
BY PC Bureau
May 20, 2025 —
A deleted X (formerly Twitter) post attributed to Naga activist Ashang Kasar has sparked fresh controversy in Manipur, with allegations of inflammatory rhetoric targeting the Kuki community prompting widespread outrage. Civil society groups and political observers have called for a police investigation into the authenticity of the post, which many view as a potential incitement to violence.
The incident has also raised serious questions about the impartiality of the Manipur authorities. Just two days ago, the state police filed an FIR against the president of the Kuki Students’ Organization for making a similarly provocative speech in a viral video. Critics are now demanding equal scrutiny in both cases to avoid the perception of selective action or ethnic bias.
The latest controversy began on May 19, 2025, when a post, allegedly from Kasar’s X handle @ashang_kasar or @Ashang__kasar), reportedly threatened the Kuki community. According to X users, the post warned against “disturbing Naga people in Manipur,” claiming Kukis could be “removed in 2 seconds” and threatening “instant ethnic cleansing” if provoked, referencing past Meitei-Kuki violence. The post was deleted within hours, and its exact wording remains unverified. Kasar, a prominent Tangkhul Naga activist, denied authorship, claiming the post came from a fake account (@Ashang__kasar), suggesting impersonation by “vested Kukis” aiming to tarnish his image.
#BreakingNews
By referencing the Naga-Kuki war of the 1990s today, a failed preacher and politician, Kacha Naga @ashang_kasar, has shown his true face to the world. @manipur_police @RajBhavManipur must file suo moto FIR on @ashang_kasar under relevant sections of the law.#War2 pic.twitter.com/ctjaMsoXUU— David 𝐊𝐮𝐤𝐢 (@KipsKuki) May 19, 2025
Public Backlash and Calls for Investigation
The alleged post sparked immediate backlash on X, with users demanding action from Manipur police and national authorities, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Posts tagged @manipur_police @HMOIndia, and @RajBhavManipurcalled for an FIR under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity) and 505 (public mischief), as well as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. One user, @Son_Of_Kipgen , labeled the rhetoric “terrorism, not free speech.”
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X users also noted that police could verify the post’s authenticity by investigating whether it originated from Kasar’s verified account (@ashang_kasar) or a fake one (@Ashang__kasar). Experts suggest that with cooperation from X, authorities could access metadata, including the account’s login history, IP address, and device information, to determine the post’s creator and the circumstances of its deletion. If the post was deleted by Kasar or an impersonator, police could, in theory, trace the computer or device used by analyzing server logs or seizing hardware, provided they act swiftly to preserve digital evidence. However, challenges such as delayed investigations or encrypted data could hinder access to the device used for deletion, and no official police statement on such efforts has been reported as of May 20.
Kasar’s Profile and Denial
Ashang Kasar, a social worker and former 2019 Lok Sabha candidate from Outer Manipur, is known for his advocacy for indigenous rights and leadership in the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum Manipur. His past controversies include a 2023 incident where he was reportedly barred from his village by Assam Rifles and a May 2025 critique of state authorities over a Kuki student leader’s threats against Meiteis at the Shirui Lily festival. Kasar’s claim of impersonation has divided X users, with some arguing the post’s rhetoric aligns with his advocacy, while others, like @KhamenChatpa, allege a “disinformation attack” via a fake account.
Alleged Post Content (Unverified)
Based on X user claims, the deleted post allegedly read: “Do not disturb Naga people in Manipur. We can remove Kukis in 2 seconds. If provoked, we will show instant ethnic cleansing.” Note: This content is unverified, as the post was deleted, and Kasar denies authorship, citing a fake account.
@ashang_kasar
Wow, a clarification from the real Ashang Kasar! Thanks for letting us know that you’re not the one spreading hate and escalating tensions. Meanwhile, can you clarify why you’re so concerned about what ‘vested Kukis’ are doing? And what’s with the snake symbol?… pic.twitter.com/w1bRrcJXpc— 𝗞𝗶𝗺 𝗛𝗮𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗽 (@haokipkim128) May 20, 2025
Manipur’s ethnic landscape, marked by tensions between Naga, Kuki, and Meitei communities, provides a volatile backdrop. The state has seen over 260 deaths since May 2023 due to ethnic violence, with social media amplifying conflicts. Similar incidents, such as deleted posts by public figures like Nagababu and Kangana Ranaut, highlight the pattern of retracting controversial statements amid backlash. The impersonation claim aligns with rising digital scams in India, including “digital arrest” frauds where scammers pose as officials, underscoring the need for robust verification mechanisms.
Some vested Kukis are circulating the fake account in the name of Kasar Ashang, Kukis did such many fake things in the past and they are trying to tarnish my image. So I would like to clarify to all the viewers that some vested Kukis are trying to insist the war in using the fake… pic.twitter.com/lY7TcR4sMo
— Kasar Ashang (@ashang_kasar) May 19, 2025
Police could potentially confirm the post’s origin by requesting X’s server data to identify the account’s activity, including the time and location of the post and deletion. For instance, IP logs could reveal whether the post was made from Manipur or elsewhere, and device identifiers could pinpoint the computer or phone used. However, without prompt action, digital evidence may be lost, and no reports confirm whether Manipur police have initiated such a probe.
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As of May 20, Manipur police have not commented on the controversy, despite public pressure. The incident highlights the challenges of policing online rhetoric in a conflict zone and the need for swift digital forensics to address impersonation claims. With Manipur under President’s rule since February 2025, authorities face mounting calls to restore trust and prevent further escalation.
