KeRF flays arrest over comment on CM's FB page
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, August 16 2021: Dismayed over the arrest of Thanglenpao Haokip over his comments on the Facebook page of chief minister N Biren Singh, Kuki Reformation Forum (KeRF) on Monday condemned the arrest in the strongest term.

Janghaolun, secretary Media & Publicity, KeRF said Thanglenpao Haokip was hauled up by Patsoi Police on August 14 around 4 pm and detained there for the whole night and he was produced before a magistrate at Imphal Police Station on August 15 .

Thanglenpao Haokip was charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and promoting enmity between groups and intentional insult to provoke breach of peace and public tranquillity.

Though he was later released on bail, the case against Thanglenpao is deplorable without exception.

It is pertinent to recall that Kuki Reformation Forum had earlier filed a report to the cybercrime police station, Imphal against six individuals promoting communal divide in the state with abusive and derogatory remarks.

However, much to the disappointment of KReF, no actions have so far been taken by the authorities concerned.

So, the arrest of Thanlenpao thus raises-a serious concern, the KeRF information secretary said.

Is the law truly equal for all or is it simply arbitration by few vested interests? And why is the law not being served equally? Or why is the law different for different people? What about the many other hate speeches being directed against people on a daily basis? What is happening with the system? Is it not for all? he queried.

He continued that for that matter, KReF regretfully notes therefore that the law and order agencies, and other authorities concerned of the state will be responsible for any communal divide or any breach of peace and communal harmony among various communities in the state for implicitly encouraging communal divide with its bigoted and chauvinistic approaches as opposed to the nature of the offices they hold.

KeRF also made a general appeal to the people of Manipur not to fall into the trap of narrow divisive politics and the religious and communal, emotional manipulation of people for mere political gains by some people with vested interests.

The forum also made a humble appeal to chief minister N Biren to be a leader for all and to not fall into the trap of opportunistic politics and most of all to not encourage communal divide with insensitive and intolerant actions and inactions.

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