Manipur high court orders release of journalist held under NSA since November
New Delhi: The Manipur high court has ordered the release of the Imphal-based journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem from detention. Wangkhem was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in end November 2018 for castigating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, state chief minister N. Biren Singh and the RSS in a YouTube video that went viral on social media.
Kishorechandra’s wife Ranjita Elangbam told The Wire from Imphal, “We have just got the verbal order, waiting for the written order. We need to get certain signatures from the state administration which may take two-three days. After that, he would be released from the Sajiwa jail.”
She said, “I feel extremely relieved by the news as he has been seriously sick and need proper medical care.”
Since mid March, Kishorechandra has been unwell and being treated at the government-owned Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS) in Imphal. Ranjita said she was shocked to see “the sudden huge weight loss in him” when he was brought to the hospital on March 20.
“We wanted to click a photo of the prescription just to know what his ailment was, but were told to take it from the jailer. We learnt from the hospital that his sugar level was very high at 534 after the meal and therefore, the doctors wanted a special diet for him but the police officials accompanying him said they were not sure whether they would be able to provide it to him,” she had said.
Kishorechandra was employed as an anchor with local news channel ISTV. However, on being arrested, he was sacked from his job.
The BJP-led government has been widely criticised both inside and outside of Manipur for arresting the journalist, first under Section 124A (sedition) of the IPC, and then under the NSA, for speaking against the ruling party. He chiefly talked about the chief minister holding a government-funded event to commemorate Rani Laxmibai’s battle against the British and equating it to the freedom movement of Manipur.
Though a local court released him in end November after setting aside the charges under 124A, the state police took him into custody within 24 hours and charged him under the NSA. On December 13, the advisory board set up under the Act to look into the charge approved his detention for 12 months. Kishorechandra then went to the high court seeking relief.
courtesy: thewire.in
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CM Sai says Chhattisgarh now 'free' of Naxalism, hails March 31 as historic day for state
Raipur (PTI): Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday asserted Chhattisgarh was now "free" of Naxalism and described March 31, the deadline set by the Centre to eradicate Maoism, as a "historic" day for the state, which was once a hotbed of the violent movement.
Targeting the Opposition Congress, Sai alleged that during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', party leader Rahul Gandhi had shared the stage with Naxalites at several locations.
Speaking on sidelines of a programme in Raipur, the CM thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing decisive leadership in the fight against Left-wing extremism (LWE) and said the insurgency had long been a major obstacle to development.
"Today marks a truly historic day for Chhattisgarh as Naxalism is being eliminated from the state. On behalf of the 30 million people of Chhattisgarh, we extend our deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Modi ji and Home Minister Amit Shah ji," he said.
In 2024, the Centre set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to completely eliminate Naxal violence from the country.
The vast Bastar region, once an epicentre of Naxal violence, remained largely untouched by development for 40 years, but it can now progress rapidly, Sai maintained.
Asked about Shah's statement in the Lok Sabha on Monday that when Rahul Gandhi undertook his march, many Leftists joined it, Sai said, "during the 'Desh Jodo Yatra' undertaken by the Congress MP, he met Naxalites at numerous locations.
At several places, Naxalites even shared the stage with him (Gandhi), the BJP leader alleged.
"When notorious Naxal leader Madvi Hidma, responsible for killing hundreds of people, including our security personnel, was neutralised (in late 2025), people chanted slogans that 'many more Hidmas will emerge'. Gandhi even posted them (slogans) on social media, which shows his intent," the CM stated.
When pointed out that former CM Bhupesh Baghel used to claim that evidence regarding the deadly Jhiram Ghati attack by Maoists was in his "pocket", Sai said, "When the Congress was in power, it failed to act despite claiming to have enough proof."
Even after being in power for five years (2018-23), they could neither investigate the Jhiram Ghati case nor produce the so-called proof, the CM opined.
The Maoist attack on May 25, 2013, targeted a Congress convoy during the party's 'Parivartan Rally' ahead of assembly elections, killing 32 people, including then Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel, former Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma, and ex-Union minister V C Shukla.
In a series of posts on 'X', Sai spoke about the end of Naxalism in the BJP-ruled state.
"A Fear-Free Bastar, A Naxal-Free Chhattisgarh. Where once the echoes of gunfire resounded, today flows a new current of development, trust, and good governance. Emerging from the shadow of fear, Bastar is now marching forward with unwavering resolve on the path of self-confidence and progress," he noted.
He credited effective policies of the BJP-led governments in Chhattisgarh and at the Centre for the turnaround in Bastar, which was once associated with Naxal violence.
"This transformation is the fruit of our 'Double Engine' governments' steadfast resolve, effective policies, and unwavering trust of people. A place where peace has triumphed over fear and security has inspired confidence. Prosperity is steering Bastar's bright future toward new heights," Sai noted.
A new chapter of peace, development, and trust has started in Chhattisgarh, especially in Bastar, the CM declared.
"Today, every village shines with light, every path leads to development, and every face bears not fear, but a smile. The sunrise of March 31, 2026, stands witness to Bastar's transformation - from a region once defined by fear to one embracing a hopeful and bright future. A New Bastar, A New Chhattisgarh, a new chapter of peace, development, and trust," he asserted.
