Manipur CPI demands release of arrested leader

CPI leaders Dr Nara Singh and others addressing media in Imphal on December 22. (NNN Photo)
 

Newmai News Network
Imphal | December 22

Manipur State Council of the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Sunday came down heavily on the BJP-led government in Manipur while strongly condemning re-arrest of its state secretary L Sotinkumar by the police after the Imphal West district Chief Judicial Magistrate released him. 

The CPI also alleged that the police attempted to arrest other leaders of the party.

CPI state council secretary L Sotinkumar was arrested by the police a day after the Left parties sponsored 12-hour general strike against CAA on December 19.

It can be noted here that Sotinkumar was released on bail by Imphal West district Chief Judicial Magistrate. However, he was picked up by the police when he came out of the court complex. 

The state CPI alleged that Sotinkumar was re-arrested and detained unlawfully. The CPI further alleged that it was a repressive measure of the state police. Addressing a press conference at state CPI office in Imphal, CPI national executive council member Dr M Nara Singh strongly protested against the re-arrest of Sotinkumar and demanded that he should be released without any condition and without further delay. Dr Nara also said that CPI and other Left parties had launched a nationwide protest against CAA and as part of it Manipur units of Left parties had given the 12-hour general strike. 

"The general strike concluded peacefully without any violent incident related with the strike. Leaders and workers of the parties did not indulge in any unlawful activity during the strike", he also said. Dr Nara further alleged that the CPI state secretary was picked up and detained by the state government for criticising the incumbent BJP-led government in the state.

He said that Sotinkumar was performing his duty only as a leader of a political party and in the interest of the people. He then said that during the December 19 anti-CAA strike across the country, many leaders and workers were arrested. All of them were charged with sedition. However, they were released on bail, he added.

"The state CPI secretary of the party was the only leader who was re-arrested by the police", Dr Nara pointed out, asking the reason behind the detention of the party leader. He then said that if there was any misunderstanding with the statement given by the CPI leader against the state government, the same can be resolved through dialogue.