We, the undersigned, are greatly disturbed by the summons notice issued to our colleague, political scientist Prof Kham Khan Suan Hausing, Professor of Political Science, University of Hyderabad, by the office of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East on 6 July 2023. The action was initiated following the criminal complaint filed by an Imphal-based individual who felt that Prof Hausing's views on the ongoing conflict in Manipur were detrimental to the entire Meitei community. 

Prof Hausing has conducted impeccable research on federalism, ethnic conflicts, nationalism, and aspects of civic life and inter-ethnic relations in Northeast India and political processes in India for over two decades now. He is a widely cited author who has published in some of the most reputable journals within the country and abroad. Moreover, he has mentored several generations of youth from the region, and has continued to inspire young researchers across India. His commitment to research is commendable, and he is a very respected member of the academic community.

It is indeed most unfortunate that his views -- based on considered opinion and professional investigations -- have been construed as criminal by individuals outside the academic community. While we believe that our research work has to engage with a non-academic audience, we are deeply troubled by the disproportionate and facetious response that his views have generated among a section of the wider public. 

The filing of criminal complaints against academics who share their views in the public sphere sets a dangerous precedent. It paves the way for unwarranted censorship of speech, thought, and democratic exchange of views. As professionals who work and write about issues in Northeast India, we feel that such actions tantamount to the erosion of safe spaces for academic research. It will hamper the intellectual growth and exchange of ideas, not just among our peers, but also among the next generation of scholars.

We therefore reiterate our solidarity and support for Prof. Hausing and call for an end to his harassment.

1. Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty, former Professor of Political Science, University of Delhi

2. Prof. Joy Pachuau. Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University

3. Prof Dolly Kikon, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne

4. Dr. Charisma Lepcha, Department of Anthropology, Sikkim University

5. Mr. Harekrishna Deka, Noted Assamese poet & former DGP, Assam  

6. Prof. Swargajyoti Gohain, Ashoka University

7. Dr. Lovitoli Jimo, Ambedkar University Delhi

8. Prof. Akhil Ranjan Dutta, Department of Political Science, Gauhati University

9. Dr. Mabel Gergan, Department of Asian Studies, Vanderbilt University

10. Dr. Anjuman Ara Begum, Royal School of Law and Administration, Royal Global University

11. Prof. Sanjay (Xonzoi) Barbora, School of Social Sciences and Humanities , TISS, Guwahati Campus

12. Prof. Manajari Katju, Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad

13. Prof. Joydeep Baruah, Surya Kumar Bhuyan School of Social Sciences, KK Handiqui State Open University

14. Dr Roluahpuia (In individual capacity)

15. Prof. Toshimenla Jamir, Department of Sociology, Nagaland University

16. Prof. Ujjwal Kumar Singh, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi

17. Prof. Manorama Sharma, former Professor of History, NEHU

18. Prof. Apurba Baruah, former Professor of Political Science, NEHU

19. Dr Raile Rocky Ziipao, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

20. Dr Saroj Giri, Department of Political Science, Delhi University

21. Dr Amrita Gogoi, Department of Political Science, Dibrugarh University

22. Prof Udayon Mishra, former Professor of English, Dibrugarh University

23. Dr Dixita Deka, NESRC Guwahati

24. Dr Meenal Tula, NESRC Guwahati

25. Prof. Sarat Phukan, Department of Geology, Gauhati University

26. Prof. Nandini Sundar, Department of Sociology, Delhi University

27. Dr. Gaurav Rajkhowa, post-doctoral research associate, Edinburgh University

28. Dr. Mitul Baruah, Ashoka University

29. Prof. Amit Baishya, Department of English, University of Oklahoma

30. Prof. Ngamjahao Kipgen, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati

31. Prof. Sanghamitra Choudhury, Department of Political Science, Bodoland University

32. Dr. Vasundhara Jairath, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati 

33. Prof. Rajib Handique, Department of History, Gauhati University

34. Prof. Prasenjit Biswas, Department of Philosophy, North Eastern Hill University

35. Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Department of English, Nagaland University