1. Manipur’s legal fraternity has strongly denounced the reported excessive force exerted by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during a protest on February 20.
2. Sit-in demonstrations, led by various legal associations, were held at the Cheirap Court complex in Imphal to voice condemnation and demand immediate investigation.
3. The All Manipur Bar Association, High Court Bar Association, Bishnupur District Bar Association, and Thoubal District Bar Association jointly organized the protests, highlighting the gravity of the issue.
Imphal, Feb 21: The legal fraternity in Manipur has vehemently condemned the alleged excessive use of force by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during a protest on February 20, prompting demands for a swift and thorough investigation.
Sit-in protests were organized jointly by the All Manipur Bar Association, High Court Bar Association, Bishnupur District Bar Association, and Thoubal District Bar Association at the Cheirap Court complex in Imphal to express their outrage over the incident.
Speaking to the media during the protest, Puyam Tomcha, President of the All Manipur Bar Association, described the events as unfortunate and deeply troubling.
He highlighted that the Cheirap Court complex, being a historic institution predating Manipur’s union with India, holds significant importance to the legal community, and any use of excessive force within its premises is unacceptable.
Tomcha emphasized that the protesters were gathered peacefully in response to the arrest of six individuals accused of involvement in an arms and ammunition looting incident.
He noted that the relatively small number of protesters did not warrant the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies.
The legal fraternity called for a thorough inquiry into the matter to be conducted within a week, led by a retired Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur.
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They stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the excessive use of force and urged all stakeholders, including security forces, to respect the sanctity of the court.
The incident occurred as six individuals arrested in connection with the arms and ammunition looting from the 5th IRB Post Chingarel Tejpur were brought before the Cheirap Court and remanded to judicial custody until March 5.
The protesters demanded the unconditional release of the detainees, asserting their civilian status and unarmed nature. In response, the RAF reportedly fired tear gas shells, escalating tensions at the scene.
The legal fraternity’s protest underscores their commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law, while also advocating for accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions.
