Manipur activist Erendro Leichombam slams BJP Govt after release; says it 'abused power'

IMPHAL: Manipur activist Erendro Leichombam launched into a tirade against the N Biren Singh-led BJP government after his release, stating that it is focussing on rounding up Facebook offenders instead of focusing on curbing the pandemic.

"Our Constitution gives every citizen freedom of speech and expression as fundamental rights and we spoke under the privilege given by our Constitution within the fundamental rights, there are certain discretions bound by our judiciary and honorable court said whatever I spoke were under my fundamental rights and the Court granted me bail and again I was arrested under NSA," Erendro Leichombam said.

"It is clear indication of govt of Manipur abusing the executive power to silence the voice of the people," he added.

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The activist further claimed that it is like "people's mouth were forcefully shut by this government."

The government was supposed to rule the state, but it seems they are busy following Facebook, he further alleged.

"During this pandemic instead of serving people, this government is indulging in arresting innocent people and putting them in jail," he further said, adding that he believes the people of Manipur will give a "befitting reply to this government in the coming next election."

The Supreme Court Monday ordered the release of activist Erendro Leichombam who had been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) for a Facebook post on the state BJP chief’s death from Covid-19.

Why Erendro Leichombam was arrested:

The activist, with journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem, was arrested for posting the comment after the death of Saikhom Tikendra Singh, the former chief of the BJP's state unit.

Manipur BJP Vice President Usham Deban and General Secretary P Premananda Meetei filed the complaint against them, claiming that their posts were offensive.

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