Manipur HC sets free Rajanglung from AR custody
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 08 2013:
The High Court of Manipur has set free Rajanglung Kamei from the custody of 10th Assam Rifles today after he was reportedly detained in the AR Camp for more than two weeks since June 22 .
The order was passed by a Division Bench of Manipur High Court comprising Chief Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar acting upon a Writ Petition filed on June 27 by the elder brother of Rajanglung, Thuinilung Kamei of Longmai Part-I Village in Tamenglong district.
Earlier on July 5, the High Court has directed the Commanding Officer of 10th Assam Rifles to produce the corpus of Rajanglung Kamei before the Court today.
In compliance with the said order, Rajanglung was produced before the Court at 10.30 am today.
On being asked by the Court, Rajanglung stated that he had never surrendered before the Assam Rifles and he was called by the Commanding Officer of 10th Assam Rifles to come to the camp.
He also expressed his desire to be free as he did not wish to stay with the Assam Rifles and wanted to go back home.
On the other hand, Major Gagan Malhotra of 10th Assam Rifles stated that Rajanglung had sought to surrender before Assam Rifles and he had been kept at the AR Camp on his request for his own safety.
According to this army officer, there was certain threatening perception on the part of Rajanglung in connection with the incident in which six cadres of NSCN (IM) were killed in an encounter with the Assam Rifles at Songlung Village.
After hearing the submission of the petitioner's counsel Meihoubam Rakesh and counsel of Assam Rifles Amarjit Naorem as well as after considering the statement of Rajanglung, his wife Kim Kamei and brother Thuinilung Kamei, the High Court of Manipur came to the conclusion that it was not the case of detention passed on any proceeding and Rajanglung Kamei may be allowed to go back to anywhere he desires.
Further, the Court found that there was not specific allegation against Rajanglung which could warrant any further detention or confinement against his wish.
In the end, the High Court issued an order thereby setting Rajanglung Kamei free to go as per his wishes and desire as a free citizen of the country.
The respondents of the case included Union of India through the Defence Secretary, Union Home Secretary, IGAR (South), CO of 10th Assam Rifles, State Principal Secretary (Home) and State DGP.