Guwahati: On Tuesday, tension flared inside the Cheirap Court Complex in Imphal East as irate protestors expressed their discontent over the arrest of six individuals, asserting that they were civilians. According to a report from India Today NE, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) resorted to firing tear gas shells within the court complex to quell the protestors, resulting in injuries, including one video journalist.
Court officials and advocates condemned the use of tear gas inside the court complex, questioning the authorisation of such measures. Despite widespread demands for the release of the six arrested individuals, who are accused of involvement in the alleged arms and ammunition looting from the 5th IRB at Chingarel Tejpur on February 13, the court has granted judicial remand until March 5, 2024, for a thorough investigation.
In opposition to the court’s decision, women vendors unanimously resolved to launch a cease-work strike starting tomorrow until the arrested persons are released. The arrested individuals, contesting their status as civilians, objected to being taken away by security personnel, both from the Rapid Action Force and the state force, and demanded immediate release. The protest escalated when tear gas shells were fired inside the court complex, dispersing both protestors and the arrested individuals.
Addressing the media, Brahmacharimayum Supriya, the vice president of the All Manipur Bar Association, strongly condemned the use of tear gas inside the court campus, deeming it illegal and calling for an investigation into the authorization of such actions.
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Condemning the state government’s actions, Laishram Mema, the convenor of the Joint Coordinating Committee of Khwairamband Ima Market, expressed outrage over the arrest of the six individuals on charges related to arms and ammunition. She urged political leaders to efficiently use their power to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur, stating that their inaction has led many youth to step forward voluntarily for the state’s protection. Mema called for resignations if political leaders are unable to handle the situation effectively.
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