A tumultuous scene marred the atmosphere of the Cheirap Court complex in Imphal on Tuesday as security forces resorted to use of tasers and teargas during a confrontation with protestors inside the court’s complex.
The catalyst for the chaos was the production of six accused individuals, allegedly involved in an arms and ammunition looting case, before the court.
Mainly composed of women, the protestors vehemently demanded the unconditional release of the accused persons, asserting their innocence as daily wage earners.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in injuries to numerous protestors and even an advocate, allegedly at the hands of RAF personnel who resorted to using teargas shells and tasers.
Even members of the media were not spared from the violence, as a video journalist from a local TV channel identified as Khangembam Naresh sustained head injuries while covering the incident.
The situation grew more tense as protestors clashed with security forces, while the state security personnel, led by the SP of Imphal West, remained focused on escorting the accused individuals to jail.
The accused individuals, identified as Mayengbam Binod Singh, Leitanthem Naoba Meitei, RK Sanjoy, Rajkumar Rody Singh, Wangmayum Sanathoi, and Sunir Phundreimayum, all hailing from Imphal East, were remanded to judicial custody for 15 days by the Special Judge (NIA), Imphal.
This decision came following a plea by the special public prosecutor, citing allegations of their involvement in looting arms and ammunition from the 5th IRB located at Chingarel, Tejpur on February 13.
During their appearance in court, the accused individuals filed separate bail applications through their counsel, vehemently denying their involvement and seeking release from judicial custody.
The court, treating the bail applications as regular, scheduled a hearing for bail objections on February 28, instructing the IO of the case to provide necessary reports and evidence before the next hearing date.
The alleged excesses by RAF personnel inside the court complex also drew strong condemnation from the All Manipur Bar Association and advocates present at Cheirap Court.
Vice-president of AMBA B Supriya questioned the authorization for the use of teargas shells and tasers even to the advocates inside the court complex.
Stating that the legal fraternity does not take the incident lightly, she said an emergency meeting of AMBA will be held soon to decide the necessary legal initiatives in this regard.
In response to the confrontation, women protestors within the court complex declared a cease-work strike across the state from Wednesday onwards, vowing to continue until the six accused individuals are released.
In the aftermath of the chaos, Registrar General of the High Court of Manipur Yumkham Rother visited the Cheirap Court to assess the situation, engaging with the legal fraternity to understand the gravity of the situation.
