A large number of men and women staged a sit-in here on Friday protesting the detention of Kishorechandra Wangkhemcha under the National Security Act (NSA) after being released by a court. He was arrested on November 21 for expressing his opinion in a video clipping. Mr. Wangkhemcha was working with the local cable network ISTV, but reportedly sacked shortly after his video clipping went viral.
“So far we have not been given any reason for arresting my husband under the NSA. Soon after being released on November 27, police raided our house and whisked him away. Is it democracy to arrest someone for expressing one’s opinion?” Mr. Wangkhemcha’s wife Ranjita demanded. According to her, nobody has extended help to her in this respect and said she would fight for justice.
In support
Kishorechandra Wangkhemcha. Photo courtesy: Facebook
Congress MLA Joykishan Khumukcham condemned the BJP-led coalition government and dared it to arrest him since he had been expressing opinions against the government all these days. According to Ms. Ranjita, her husband had questioned the rally taken out on the death anniversary of Rani of Jhansi since he was of the view that her contribution has no relevance in Manipur.
Mr. Wangkhemcha was first arrested in August for posting another social media post, following which journalists took out a protest march and he was released. Ms. Ranjita and other family members met him in prison on November 29 during which it was learnt that he was arrested for ‘sedition’.
In May, a politician, Erendro Leiombam, was arrested for posting a message criticising the government for its alleged failure to arrest some mischievous youths in other States for posting hate messages against Manipur.
Sometime ago BJP activists burnt copies of a vernacular newspaper for criticising the party. Former Deputy Chief Minister and now Congress MLA Gaikhangam said, “It shows the intolerance of the BJP-led government of the democratic exercises and the party is muzzling the freedom of press.”
