(CPJ/IFEX) – In a 20 April 2000 letter to Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh, CPJ noted that it is deeply disturbed by the imprisonment of Nongthonbam Biren, chief editor of the Manipuri-language daily “Naharolgi Thoudang”, and Thounaojam Iboyaima, the author of a speech recently published in the newspaper. Biren and Iboyaima were arrested on 14 […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – In a 20 April 2000 letter to Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh, CPJ noted that it is deeply disturbed by the imprisonment of Nongthonbam Biren, chief editor of the Manipuri-language daily “Naharolgi Thoudang”, and Thounaojam Iboyaima, the author of a speech
recently published in the newspaper.
Biren and Iboyaima were arrested on 14 April in Imphal, the capital of Manipur State, and detained overnight. They appeared before Judge Gomati Devi, chief justice of Imphal West District, on 15 April, and were charged under sections 121, 121-A, and 124-A of the Indian Penal Code. Section 124-A says that “Whoever by words, either spoken or written . . . attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government” may be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Iboyaima delivered his speech on 9 April, citing United Nations declarations in support of the argument that “armed rebellion may be a last resort against colonial oppression,” according to a report circulated by the Imphal-based Centre for Organisation, Research, and Education.
Judge Devi said that the speech, “according to the prosecution, gave some sort of encouragement to . . . underground, unlawful organizations.” A number of insurgent groups operate in Manipur, and are fighting against Indian rule.
Biren and Iboyaima were remanded to judicial custody and are being held at Sajiwa Jail in Imphal. They are scheduled to stand trial on 29 April.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the chief minister:
– noting that newspaper coverage of speeches airing controversial views is essential to sustaining a healthy democracy
– further noting that you have serious doubts about the constitutionality of the statutes under which Biren and Iboyaima have been charged, and are alarmed by the Manipur authorities’ apparent disregard for freedom of expression and of the press
– stating that you believe that no journalist should ever be imprisoned for what he or she writes or publishes
– suggesting that it is incumbent on His Excellency, as the chief elected official in Manipur, to ensure that justice is done in this case
– urging him to use his best offices to ensure that the charges against Biren and Iboyaima are dropped, and that the two men are released immediately
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
His Excellency Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh
Chief Minister, Manipur
Chief Minister’s Bungalow
Imphal 795 001
Manipur, India
Fax: +91 385 221 394
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
