IT News
Imphal, Jan 20,
The Human Rights Law Network (HRNL) shown it’s strength and Solidarity to demand the immediate released of one Imphal-based journalist Kishore Chandra Wangkhem, incarcerated under the NSA, and also demands dropping of all charges agents him.
Addressing a joint press conference by HRNL along with Human Rights Alert, at Manipur Press Club Imphal, Advocate Supreme Court , Shreeji Bhavsar of HRNL informed that HRLN has filed Harbeas Corpus to High Court of Manipur on 20 of Dec (on behalf of KC Wangkhem) and the court has issued notice and the matter on 4th of Feb.
He also stated, “the detention of kishore Chandra wangkhem by Govt. of Manipur under draconian colonial type law, NSA 1980—which has been used by all govt for political persecution of their critics and opponents— is a violation of fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression envisage under, article 19(1)of Indian Constitution.”
He said, we strongly protest journalist Kishorechand’s detention and Stand in solidarity with his family.
He claimed that the National Security Act 1980 is a draconian and a colonial type law which has been widely used by the government for political persecution of their critics and opponents. And this is a violation of the basic fundamental rights to freedom of expression under Article 19 1(a) of the Indian Constitution. He said that the times of India today violating the freedom of expression is even worse than even in colonial times.
He also strongly condemned the detention of Kishorchandra and stand in solidarity with the family.
Laxmi Murthy a senior journalist said that almost hundred journalists were being killed and no single conviction was delivered to give justice to the assassinated journalist. She also said that tolerance of the dissecting views and opinions however unpleasant they might be, is a sign of mature democracy.
Meanwhile, HRA Director Babloo Loitongbam detaining Kishorechand under the draconian NSA for 1 year soon after he was released on bail by Chief Magistrate, the govt is not only violating the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and undermining rule of law, it also install fear in young Manipuri speaking against what they perceived as a systematic and diabolic push to distort their history and to ultimately obilate their distinct identity.
The press conferences was attended by HR Activist, Lawyers, along with Kishorchandra’s wife Ranjita Elangbam.
