Remand for 5 ATSUM leaders
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 03 2022:
Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal West remanded five leaders of All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) on the charge of conspiring to impose economic blockade in the hill districts of Manipur.
The five arrested ATSUM leaders viz Paothinthang Lupheng (45) s/o Paohao Lupheng of Khomunnom village, Andria Sinruwang (36), s/o SR Ngamdil of Unopat village, Khaiminlen Doungel (35), s/o Douthang Doungel of Gengjang Leimakhong, Marankhai Awungshi (31), s/o AS Wungkato of Tashar village and John H Pulamte (51), s/o (L) Laithlunglein of Rangkai presently staying at Game Village Zone III were produced before the Court along with a prayer to send them to police custody for six days.
The IO of the case through APP submitted that the five accused conspired to impose economic blockade in the hill districts of Manipur and also circulated a statement which disturb peace.
The Court after hearing the submission of the IO and defence counsels of the accused observed that the submission of the APP in reference of the blockade is highly objected by the accused as they claimed that the total shutdown was announced to voice the dissent of the tribal people on a particular issue and it cannot be equated with the term economic blockade.
The Court further observed that investigation of the case, however, is very important and after weighing the right of the accused on one hand and the investigation on the other remanded the accused persons to police custody for four days till August 6 .