Lt. Col. Nitin Sharma of 5 Assam Rifles faces backlash from tribal bodies in Manipur over Gangte’s detention, accused of disrupting the fragile peace in the region for “personal gain.”
By PC Bureau
June 6, 2025
A joint coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Moreh has condemned the arrest of one Kamginthang Gangte, wanted in a case of assault and violence, on by the Assam Rifles without following due legal procedure. The arrest, they allege, was carried out arbitrarily under the orders of Lt. Col. Nitin Sharma of 5 AR, whom they accuse of repeatedly bypassing protocol for personal gain.
In a joint press statement, several CSO leaders—including the Kuki Chief Association, Hill Tribal Council, Kuki Women Union, Human Rights body, and youth organizations—declared a 24-hour total shutdown in Moreh beginning noon on June 6, followed by a peaceful public rally on June 7 from Galgam Lentol to the ADC Complex.
The CSOs have also demanded the immediate transfer of Lt. Col. Sharma from Moreh to help restore normalcy and prevent the alleged escalation of public tension due to his “biased” and “provocative” actions. They accused the officer of sabotaging peace by targeting CSO and SoO (Suspension of Operations) leaders, despite existing peace agreements.
The Joint Kuki CSOs in Moreh have announced a 24-hour total shutdown of the town to protest the arbitrary arrest of Mr. Kamginthang Gangte by the NIA @NIA_India
The shutdown begins at 12:00 PM on June 6, 2025, and lasts until 12:00 PM on June 7, 2025. This will be followed by a… pic.twitter.com/fkO8BjiQVI
— Sumkawn (@Sumkawn) June 6, 2025
The organizations also raised concern about the broader delay in arresting individuals they identify as key perpetrators of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, while accusing central agencies of selectively targeting Kuki-Zo leaders.
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Calling for the release of Gangte and his return to his designated SoO camp, the CSOs stated that arrest procedures must be “balanced, legal, and in accordance with verification norms.” The CSOs insisted that the democratic and peaceful nature of their protest reflected the community’s desire to maintain coexistence and justice.
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The statement was signed by office-bearers of seven CSOs including:
- Ngamkholun Kipgen (Kuki Chief’s Association)
- Jangthang Mate (Hill Tribal Council)
- Simon Baite (Kuki Student Organisation)
- Thangjangam Haokip (Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi)
- Thongsei Lhungdim (Moreh Youth Club)
- Domjahat Haokip (Kuki Women Union & HR)
