Manipur Journalist Kishorchandra Wangkhem, who was detained under National Security Act (NSA) was released from jail on Friday following an order passed by the High Court of Manipur.
The release of the Journalist comes four days after a political activist from the state, Erendro Leichombam, who was arrested on similar charges, set free by an order of the Supreme Court.
Kishorchandra Wangkhem was held for a post on his Facebook page on the death of a Manipur BJP leader, who succumbed to Covid-19, commenting that ‘cow dung, cow urine did not work’.
Noting the Supreme Court order, the court said, We find no distinction or difference between the case of the petitioners husband (Kishorchandra) and that of Erendro Leichombam. Both of them put up similar Facebook posts, critical of the utility of cow dung and cow urine in treating Corona virus. As they stand identically situated, we are of the opinion that the continued incarceration of the petitioners husband would be as much a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, as it was in the case of Erendro Leichombam.
The order was issued by Chief Justice PV Sanjay Kumar and Justice Kh Nobin in response to a letter petition filed by Kishorchandras wife Elangbam Ranjita.
In the petition, Ranjita stated that while both Erendro Leichombam and Kishorchandra Wangkhem were arrested on the same grounds under the National Security Act ,1980; the Supreme Court has ordered the release of Erendro, but Kishore continues to languish in jail.
On Monday, while ordering the released of Erendro, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and M R Shah of the Supreme Court had observed that the “continued detention of the petitioner” would “amount to a violation of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution”.
Speaking to the media after his release from Jail, Kishorchandra said he will move the Supreme Court for compensation for the wrongful incarceration.
I have been incarcerated for months on the same charges. But, this time I am contemplating on moving the Supreme Court for compensation for the wrongful incarceration so that the Government at least learn a lesson and think twice before arresting or detaining people under draconian law on fabricated charges, said Kishorchandra.
In 2018, Kishorchandra was detained under NSA and spent more than fourth months in jail for criticising the BJP led Manipur Government.
I feel that the government should respect ones dissent or opinion rather than silencing the people, said Kishorchandra.read more
Manipur: Jailed journalist held under NSA for facebook post set free by High Court’s order
