Lawyers in Manipur staged a sit-in-protest on Wednesday at Cheirap Court expressing their strong condemnation of the alleged excessive use of force by Rapid Action Force (RAF) while trying to control protestors in the court’s premises on Tuesday.
A sit-in was jointly organised by All Manipur Bar Association, High Court Bar Association, Bishnupur District Bar Association and Thoubal District Bar Association in front of Cheirap Court in Imphal on Wednesday.
Addressing the media at the sidelines of the protest, President of All Manipur Bar Association, Puyam Tomcha said the incident that occurred at the Cheirap Court Complex on Tuesday was very unfortunate considering that the court was situated in the heart of Imphal City.
“As an attempt to control the protestors, the Rapid Action Force resorted to excessive force against the public, including media personnel and advocates,” said Puyam Tomcha.
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The president said that the Cheirap Court holds a significant historical legacy, predating Manipur’s integration into the Indian union. It is revered by the legal fraternity as a sacred place, he said. The use of such excessive force within its premises is utterly condemnable and unacceptable and those responsible must be held accountable, he said and urged both society and the security forces to uphold the sanctity of the court.
A joint emergency meeting of the Executive Committees of the All Manipur Bar Association and High Court Bar Association, Manipur, was also held on Wednesday.
The meeting resolved to conduct a protest as a mark of protest against the excessive use of force, and accordingly the protest was held.
Further, the lawyers also abstained from court, including the High Court, except for urgent matters for the day.
The meeting also resolved to appeal concern to strengthen security of the court without further delay.
