Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04:
Citing numerous incidents of taking into custody by security forces of many persons on slight suspicion without furnishing Arrest Memo as directed by the Supreme Court, the United People's Front has asked if the security forces are above law.
In a statement issued by the Front, it maintained that the alleged arrest of Sarangthem Jayenta alias Arun on January 1from Moreh by 24 Assam Rifles and denial by security force of the arrest afterward is not a new case in Manipur.
Harassment of Meira Paibis who are undertaking democratic agitation demanding the release of Arun by AR personnel is an open invitation for another mass movement against security forces, remarked the Front.
It also recounted many cases of innocent persons picked up by security forces and subsequent involuntary disappearances like those of Bijoykumar, Sanamacha etc.
The Front alleged that harassment and torture of innocent civilians have been a trademark of Indian Security Forces for a long time now.
Even as Manipur remains within the purview of the Indian Constitution, there is no rule of law in the State but rather martial law is being enforced in Manipur with fake encounters becoming order of the day, it added.