DESAM, IPSA volunteers released, FIRs withdrawn
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 12 2021: Two office bearers of Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) and International Peace and Social Development (IPSA), who were arrested for uploading a video on the social media showing the damages done to a Salai (clan) flag erected atop Mt Koubru, were released on Tuesday without any condition.

The FIRs registered against the two of them have also been withdrawn.

DESAM, Thoubal District Council vice president Lisham Bijoyraj (21) and IPSA assistant publicity secretary Okram Amarjit (35) were arrested by police on May 6 for uploading a video of Facebook showing a Salai flag flown atop the sacred site of Mt Koubru, broken down by unknown miscreants.

They were initially remanded to police custody for 6 days for interrogation but were set free by the Court of CJM Imphal West of Tuesday afternoon without any condition.

Speaking to newsperson after their release, an executive member of Ma-housa Kanba Kup pointed out that the Mt Koubru has been a sacred site for the Meetei and other indigenous communities since time immemorial.

However, some miscreants recently disrespectfully tore down the Salai flag and dumped the same in a nearby pond, while burying the other parts in nearby areas.

It was due to Bijoyraj and Okram Amarjit that the people became aware of this provocative act, thereby teaching a lesson to all concerned not disrespect the beliefs of another community.

Appreciating the two volunteers for their honestly, the member also appreciated CM Biren for releasing them and also announcing a plan to construct a Sana Shanglen at the sacred site of Mt Koubru.

Meanwhile, DESAM secretary general Leishangthem Lamyanba condemned the disrespectful act against another community especially during the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation in the state.

The arrest of the two volunteers by police and further remanding them to police custody for 6 days is an act of arbitrary detention, which should be reserved only for dangerous criminals, he said.

Urging for such acts not to be repeated in the future, Lamyanba proposed that the government provide protection to important sites in the state which are sacred to the indigenous population.

He then appreciated the state government for releasing the two volunteers without any condition.

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