Kishorchandra released
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 10 2019: Kishorchandra Wangkhem was released from judicial custody at Sajiwa Central Jail today, two days after the Division Bench High Court of Manipur, quashed and set aside the NSA detention order passed by DC Imphal West against Kishorchandra on November 27 last year.

Kishorchandra was released from Sajiwa Central Jail at around 3.30 pm today after being detained for more than 4 months under NSA, for posting a Facebook video criticizing CM N Biren and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on sedition charges.

He was released after the necessary documentation process of the Home Department was completed.

Kishorchandra was warmly received by his family members and well wishers and soon after he stepped out from Sajiwa Jail complex, tears rolled down his eyes when he saw his wife Ranjita waiting for him.

She has been fighting all the way to get justice for her husband.

Speaking to media persons soon after his release, Kishorchandra thanked his wife, his friends and media colleagues, human rights bodies and activists who have been fighting for justice and his release.

He then apologised to the people for using obscene words while expressing his disappointment through social media but said that whatever he expressed was for the people of the State.

Kishorchandra said that he was quite emotional and hurt by the Government celebrating the birthday of Rani of Jhansi in Manipur which is irrelevant in the context of the State and that too at a time when the public are talking about the inclusion of the history of the freedom fighters of the State in the educational curriculum.

He explained that this was the main reason he had the emotional outburst while posting the video recording.

Kishorchandra continued that his video recording may be taken as alerting the public of the State, as the Government tried their best to pass CAB against the will of the entire population of the North East States, just a month after he was detained under NSA by the State Government.

Appreciating the recent verdict of the Special Bench of High Court of Manipur for honouring his fundamental Rights (Freedom of Speech & Express) guaranteed by the Constitution of India and revoking his detention under NSA, he said that he knew that as soon as he was detained under NSA, he along with his families were kept under surveillance by the State Government.

He also expressed belief that this will continue even after he is released.

However, he vowed not to give up and to continue fighting against suppression of freedom of speech and expression as well as any steps taken up by those in power which may threaten the ethnic groups of the State.

Later a reception function was also held at Manipur Press Club by the office bearers and volunteers of Social Students Union Manipur (SSUM).

Kishorchandra Wangkhem was also felicitated at Keishamthong Moirang Ningthou Leirak by Ex MLA Laisom Ibomcha later.

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