Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 10:
Taking strong exception to the alleged atrocity committed by police personnel of Lamlai police station on Abujam Shidam of Keibi Makha Leikai who is also general secretary of MPP, the political outfit has demanded unconditional release of Shidam at the earliest.
Shidam was taken to police custody on the charge of his involvement in the Pourabi blast.
Briefing media persons at its office this afternoon, MPP president Dr L Chandramani said that Shidam is not only a lecturer of Political Science in Biramangol College but also a social worker.
Following the visit of some police personnel to Shidam's home looking for him, Shidam went to Lamlai police station along with a political worker of MPP on January 7 with his (Chandramani's) permission, he conveyed.
On the same day, police furnished an arrest memo claiming that Shidam was pulled up from Ayangpalli Road.
Filing a case against Shidam with the allegation that he was involved in the Pourabi bomb blast, he was remanded to police custody where he was subjected to severe physical and mental torture, alleged the MPP president.
Stating that torturing Shidam is like humiliating MPP, Dr Chandramani condemned the alleged police excess in the strongest term.
Moreover, Shidam who was co-convenor of the JAC constituted in con nection with the Pourabi blast, was given a written assurance by 39 AR which guaranteed him free movement.
The MPP will take up necessary actions in case Shidam is not released at the earliest, Dr Chandramani said.
Contending that detention of Shidam is unreasonable, MPP MLA RK Anand demanded that police personnel involved in torturing Shidam should be booked under law.
Taking strong exception to the police claim of pulling up Shidam from Ayangpalli Road when he was arrested from police station, MLA Ng Bijoy demanded that Shidam should be released without any condition.
Ex-MP Th Chaoba remarked that arrest of Shidam only demonstrated the incompetence of police.