Youths' Forum Protection of Human Rights demands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 19 2019: Decrying the act of considering those who share ideas and opinions based on criticisms as enemies and adversaries of the State in a democratic set up, Youths' Forum Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of RK Ichanthoibi.

RK Ichanthoibi was arrested by police after registering a suo moto case against her following her criticisms against Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a video uploaded on social media.

It is also said that the charges in the suo moto case registered against Ichanthoibi include defamation and insult with intent to provoke breach of peace among others.

Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West has also remanded Ichanthoibi to judicial custody till December 30.Addressing a press meet held at Manipur Press Club today, YFPHR member Makakmayum Saroj Khan asserted that the said organization will not be able to accept the act of considering those who share ideas and opinions based on criticisms, as enemies and adversaries of the State, in a democratic set up.

Asking the State Government to honour the right to freedom of speech and expression and freedom of assemble guaranteed by the Constitution, Saroj further demanded an immediate stop to the alleged continuous act of the Government of arresting and threatening those who share their opinions to leaders with criticisms for making the society better.

Further citing four rape cases along with FIR numbers, in which the accused (perpetrators) involved in the crimes have not been arrested till date, the YPHR member urged the State Government to give attention to such issues and arrest the accused involved in such cases, instead of dwelling on criticisms coming against the Government and usage of some improper words against leaders.

Expressing grave concern on the recent incident of child delivery inside a boat at Loktak Lake in which the new born baby died, Saroj Khan went on to appeal to the Government to develop adequate hospitals to address such pathetic conditions of the State health sector.

He demanded Ichanthoibi to be immediately and unconditionally released while questioning whether law enforcing agencies in the State are meant only for protecting Government regime and not the civilians.

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