Vigilantes should not take law into hands : Mani
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 10 2024: Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani has categorically asserted that vigilantes cannot take the law into their own hands and inflict physical violence on people.

He was speaking at a press conference jointly organised by Citizens For Justice and Youth of Manipur (YOM) at Manipur Press Club today.

Addressing the media persons, Khaidem Mani asserted that due to lack of proper enforcement of law and order, Manipuri society is inching towards anarchy.

Stating that people cannot bear arms illegally, he also pointed out that cases of armed individuals moral policing women and others are on the rise as witnessed by all.

Maintaining that the youth are discontented with the current state of affairs, he said that bearing of arms, unreasonable money collection and moral policing of women with physical violence are wrong and unlawful.

However, he acceded that displaying rowdy behaviour after consuming alcohol is also unacceptable.

Saying that the public wants to live in peace under the protection of the law, he appealed to individuals armed with weapons to stop moral policing on the streets of Manipur.

In addition, he stressed that numerous organisations including many from the Naga community have raised objections to money collection/donation.

Appealing for an end to such practices, he also sought the State Government's intervention on the matter.

On the occasion, retired Session Judge Aribam Noutuneshwari, chairman, Citizens For Justice asserted that the Youth of Manipur represent the future of the State.

However, they are restless due to certain individuals taking the law into their own hands.

Though sale and consumption of alcohol has been legalized, there is a need to carry out checks in the local shops to see if they possess the necessary alcohol permits, she said.

The Citizens For Justice chairman also spoke out against the prevalent system of consuming alcohol in all social events including those related to death and advised people to overcome this practice.

Otherwise, the youth might fall victim to drug and alcohol abuse and no amount of chastising or thrashing will drive sense into them, except cutting off their access to such narcotic substances, she maintained.

Further, Aribam Noutuneshwari appealed to people to stop indulging in physical violence in the name of moral policing and uploading such clips on social media.

Reasoning that such acts can have many legal ramifications, she highlighted the need for people to discuss the provisions provided under the law of the land.

Following this, Youth of Manipur member Laishram Manichandra strongly condemned the trend of vigilantes acting above the law and "dispensing justice" as they deem fit.

He asserted that YOM has great respect and regard for fellow brethren who have taken up the task of safeguarding Manipur against the onslaught of Kuki militants since May 3 .

He maintained that the "war" has been fought by the people of Manipur and not by any particular organisation alone while adding that everyone is loyal to their community.

However, in the midst of this conflict, he expressed concern that members of the community will turn on each other if such instances of blatant disregard for the law continues.

The YOM member also expressed eagerness to assist the State legislators in bringing the law and order situation under control.

Expressing worry that disorder and chaos will become the norm in Manipur society, he urged the people's representatives to maintain law and order and stop vigilantes from acting above the law.

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