Manipur Lawyers Stage Protest Against 'Excessive Use Of Force' By RAF On Women

The protesting lawyers of the Manipur High Court and local courts also demanded an inquiry into the incident headed by a retired judge.

(File photo of a protest in Imphal) Manipur Lawyers protest against use of force on Women ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi:  Manipur lawyers on Wednesday gathered for a sit-in protest in front of the Cheirap court complex in Imphal West district, denouncing what they claimed as "excessive use of force" by security personnel against women protesters a day back, news agency PTI reported. The incident took place when security forces on Tuesday purportedly fired tear gas shells within the Cheirap court premises, where many women were protesting the arrest of six individuals in connection with an arms theft case. 

The police had brought the accused to seek an extension of their remand. "We strongly condemn the excessive use of force by RAF against women protesters by using electric baton sticks and other lethal weapons", said President of the All Manipur Bar Association, Puyam Tomcha, as per PTI.

"In a gesture of protest, individuals refrained from fulfilling their court duties today," he stated, adding, "We urge everyone, including security forces, to uphold the integrity of the court and refrain from resorting to violence." 

The protesting lawyers of the Manipur High Court and local courts also demanded an inquiry into the incident headed by a retired judge, reported PTI.

Internet Suspension In Manipur In View Of Law And Order Situation

The Manipur government announced the extension of the suspension of internet services in Churachandpur district for five days due to the ongoing law and order concerns following incidents of violence related to action taken against a police officer. 

A directive from the home department, issued by Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, stated, "After evaluating the current law and order situation in Churachandpur district, the state government has decided to prolong the suspension of internet services and VPN services throughout the entire revenue jurisdiction of Churachandpur district." Mobile service providers are also directed to ensure compliance with the order, it said, as per PTI.

The government had first imposed a temporary suspension of internet services on February 16th. The decision came after violence was reported on February 15, where at least two individuals lost their lives and 30 others sustained injuries due to gunfire from security forces.

The violence erupted when a crowd stormed into a government complex, housing the offices of the superintendent of police and deputy commissioner, setting vehicles ablaze and vandalising properties. The policeman was seen with gunmen in a purported video. Protesters demanded the reinstatement of the head constable in the service, alleging that his suspension was “unfair”.