MPCC demands unconditional release
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 28 2022:
Terming the arrest of iNC Saitu AC candidate Dr Lamtinthang as an attempt to derail democracy, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has demanded unconditional release of its candidate.
Addressing a press meet at the party office here on Monday, MPCC spokesperson N Bhupenda said that as per enquiry by Dr Lamtinthang's wife Regina Pamei regarding his detention at Imphal PS, police maintained that he has been kept there for his own safety.
Regina then demanded to meet him to verify his safety but police initially denied her request citing that she will need permission of Kangpokpi district police to meet her husband.
Later, she was allowed to talk with her husband for three minutes under the condition that they must converse only in Manipuri language.
Terming the police act as violation of democratic rights, Bhupenda demanded immediate unconditional release of Dr Lamtinthang.
He also charged the police of showing biased attitude of favouring the ruling party and demanded CEO Manipur to take the matter as an urgent matter.
Dr Lamtinthang's PA Panmeikham Kipgen said that the INC candidate was arrested on false charges of resisting the request of BJP workers from entering into New Keithelmanbi polling station.
Advocate Rabi Khan, who accompanied Regina Pamei, said that police asked them to get permission from SP Kangpokpi but the SP did not pick up their repeated phone calls.
Denying a person in police custody an audience with his legal counsel is blatant violation of constitutional rights, the advocate said, while demanding immediate and unconditional release of the INC candidate.