NEFIS, SMSU condemn arrest of MSAD members
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 11 2020:
The North East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) and Shillong Manipuri Students' Union (SMSU) condemned the arrest of MSAD (Manipur Students' Association Delhi) members for issuing press release against proposed introduction of Sanskrit as a subject in select schools and colleges of Manipur.
Stating that MSAD had also issued a second press release clarifying about the previous statement, based on which they were arrested, NEFIS said the arrest is against the right to freedom of expression and an attempt to curb democratic criticism.
MSAD general secretary Thokchom Singhajit and organisation secretary Moirangthem Kenedy should be released immediately without any conditions attached and the issue should be resolved amicably, said NEFIS.
SMSU also expressed that the statement of MSAD "was not intended to malign any religion or particular group and it was in the interest of the indigenous people of Manipur" .
Maintaining that their arrests were uncalled for, SMSU also appealed to the State Government to immediately release the MSAD members and withdraw all charges against them.