Academic Freedom Under Fire? – Delhi University faces backlash after canceling Seilen Haokip’s speech at the last minute. Critics call it a betrayal of free speech and an act of discrimination.
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A fresh controversy has erupted at the Delhi University Literary Festival after the last-minute cancellation of a scheduled talk by Seilen Haokip, spokesperson for the Kuki National Organisation (KNO). The abrupt decision has triggered widespread outrage among the Kuki community, with many accusing the organizers of bowing to political pressure and suppressing minority voices.
Kuki Community Condemns “Silencing of Minority Voices
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with anger and disappointment. Prominent Kuki activists and intellectuals criticized Delhi University’s actions, calling it a betrayal of academic freedom.
Jalhai Haokip (@JalhaiH) posted a detailed thread, stating: “Delhi University’s complicity in silencing minority voices is shameful. This is a betrayal of academic freedom.”
She further alleged that the event was unfairly stacked against Haokip, as he was the only Kuki representative on a panel alongside three prominent Meitei figures—Rajat Sethi (@RajatSethi86), Abhijit Chavda (@AbhijitChavda), and Lt. Gen. Konsam Himalay Singh (@KonsamHimalay).
𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐀 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦@dulitfest has played dirty. The Manipuris have suppressed/silenced the Kuki voices in Manipur, and now… pic.twitter.com/E14HmliT3I
— Jalhai Haokip (@hatjalhai) February 23, 2025
“Even when the odds were three against one, they still silenced him. If they never intended to let him speak, why invite him? The organizers informed him of the cancellation only after he had arrived at SRCC. Is this how Delhi University treats a citizen of this country?”
Jalhai also highlighted an alarming response from an alleged Meitei supporter, Colonel Ajay K. Raina, who, when tagged in discussions about Haokip’s invitation, reportedly commented:
“The needful is being done. Sab under control hai. No worries.”
She questioned what influence had been exerted to suppress Haokip’s voice and who pressured the festival to withdraw his invitation.
“Academic freedom has been under attack in Manipur since 2022, when the Biren Singh government imposed censorship on academic publications. Now, Delhi University seems no different,” she added.
ALSO READ: Meiteis Community Hail Seilen Haokip Exit from DU Lit Fest
Eyewitnesses Demand Answers
Kapthang Kuki (@KapthangHaokip), who was present at SRCC, recounted their attempt to seek clarification from the organizing team after Haokip’s departure.
“At first, they told us that Dr. Seilen himself had canceled. But when we showed them his voice message stating otherwise, they changed their stance, saying they didn’t want to be involved in a political controversy or media backlash.”
According to Kapthang, after a heated exchange lasting 15–20 minutes, festival volunteers were called to remove them from the venue.
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Kim Haokip, spokesperson for the Kuki Inpi Delhi, called the incident “a big blow to the community.”
“This is insult upon insult. If they were going to cancel him, they should have never invited him in the first place.”
Social Media Reacts
X users swiftly condemned Delhi University’s decision, with many calling it an act of discrimination.
David Kuki (@DavidKuki30) tweeted:
“@dulitfest is biased. They invited Dr. Seilen and canceled his talk even after he arrived. Today, the minority tribal Kuki-Zo have witnessed discrimination at @UnivofDelhi. This cannot be overlooked.”
Another user pointed out the contradiction in DU’s decision:
“A Kuki leader who is in peace talks with the Government of India can’t speak at a literary festival? But those who spread hate get a free stage? Hypocrisy at its peak!”
A user by the handle Southpaw (@Mikhohpa27) denounced what he called censorship:
“The recent cancellation of Seilen Haokip’s talk at Delhi University’s Literary Festival raises concerns about the freedom of expression.”
𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐂𝐇 🚫
The recent cancellation of Seilen Haokip’s talk at Delhi University’s Literary Festival raises concerns about the freedom of expression.
The spokesperson of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) highlighted that Haokip was denied the stage at… pic.twitter.com/ff3JavivcV
— 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐏𝐀𝐖 ོ𓀚🗽 (@Mikhohpa27) February 23, 2025
Another user asked: “Seilen Haokip is an official representative of the KNO, a group in Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Indian government. If he can talk to the Center, why can’t he speak to the public? Delhi University just exposed its bias.”
A user identified as Meitei Lies Detector (@lala46603) attacked the festival organizers:
“@dulitfest invited Dr. Seilen Haokip, the lone voice representing the minority tribal Kuki-Zo. Meiteis were represented by propagandists & anti-minority voices like @RajatSethi86 @AbhijitChavda. Is @dulitfest hosting this to rub salt in the wounds of Kuki-Zo?”
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One user by the name Unclemeo II (@singsittalks) cited constitutional rights:
“Dr. Seilen Haokip is a bona fide citizen of India. He has fundamental rights to freedom under Article 19 of the Constitution, which includes the right to freedom of speech and expression. The @dulitfest is a literary event—every person is entitled to attend and speak at such gatherings.”
𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐊𝐔𝐊𝐈 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃, 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐈 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐌
Dr Seilen Haokip, a citizen of India was invited at the @dulitfest literary festival to deliver a speech. It is important to note… https://t.co/hArqjq2QLA pic.twitter.com/1lmTyto2UV
— unclemeo II (@singsitalks) February 23, 2025
A Larger Debate on Free Speech
The cancellation of Haokip’s talk has reignited debates over academic freedom and the marginalization of tribal voices in India. While DU organizers have yet to issue an official statement, the controversy continues to gain traction, with demands for accountability growing louder.
