Release Laishram Bidyananda immediately: YOM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 03 2024:
Youth of Manipur (YOM) has appealed for the unconditional release of Laishram Bidyananda, who was arrested by police in connection with an audio clipping which went viral on social media.
In a press meet held at Manipur Press Club here Saturday, YOM member Laishram Manichandra informed that based on the assumption that the voice in the viral audio clipping uploaded by a Facebook page, "Kanglei Mapari'' resembled Bidyananda's, police arrested and slapped YOM member Bidyananda with various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) .
This is not only unreasonable but also abuse of power, he remarked.
He recounted that police first arrested for questioning Bidyananda on January 31 before releasing him on February 1 only to be re-arrested on the charge that he is the speaker in the viral audio, but failed to furnish any evidence of proof supporting the same.
Thus, Manichandra strongly condemned the arrest and demanded Bidyananda's release at the earliest.
Manichandra then said that the audio uploaded on the "Kanglei Mapari" Facebook page is meant to disintegrate Manipur.
The police's act of not arresting the admin of the page but targeting Bidyananda has raised serious suspicions on whether the government is trying to cause chaos, he remarked.
Mentioning attacks and threats on other YOM members as well, he pointed out that the police had not arrested anyone in any of the incidents.
As such, the police s act seem like an attempt to suppress YOM, he said, while reminding that thousands of youths are members of YOM, who only want peace.
Manichandra continued that a leader should listen to the wishes and grievances of the people.
Otherwise, there is no mean ing for a leader.
The prevailing conflict in Manipur cannot be resolved by arresting YOM members.
If this is truly the solution, then the members need not be arrested for they are all ready to surrender.
He then urged the admin of "Kanglei Mapari" to think twice before uploading any posts which could be against the law, while calling the speakers in the audio clipping to come forward in public if they are truly as brave as they claim to be.