‘Release my husband too’: Wife of Manipur journalist also detained under NSA

Both Wangkhem and Leichombam were arrested in May this year after Facebook posts denigrating claims that consumption of cow urine and dung could cure Covid-19 while alluding to the death of Manipur Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president S Tikendra Singh due to the disease.

Published on: Jul 21, 2021, 18:33:39 IST

By Utpal Parashar

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Wife of Manipur journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem, arrested in May under provisions of National Security Act (NSA) for a Facebook post, wrote to Manipur chief secretary Rajesh Kumar on Tuesday requesting his release after political activist Erendro Liechombam, who was also arrested on same charges, was let go on Monday following a Supreme Court order. The SC is now hearing a petition filed by his father seeking compensation alleging his detention was illegal.

Wangkhem, a popular TV journalist, was first arrested in November 2018 for uploading a video on social media which was critical of Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh led government (ANI Photo)

Following Leichombam’s release from an Imphal prison, the Manipur government on Monday revoked its earlier order to detain him under Section 14(1) of NSA. Elangbam Ranjita’s letter said the government should now also revoke the order under NSA against her journalist husband.

“My husband has been detained in the Central jail Sajiwa under NSA since May 17 along with one of the detainee Erendro Leichombam who’s NSA has been revoked by your office on July 19,” Ranjita wrote in her letter, which has been seen by HT.

Both Wangkhem and Leichombam were arrested in May this year after Facebook posts denigrating claims that consumption of cow urine and dung could cure Covid-19 while alluding to the death of Manipur Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president S Tikendra Singh due to the disease.

“That the allegations and invoking section of law/act against the said two detainees are the same. However, my husband’s detention order has not been revoked by the concerned authority. So I request your good office to revoke the NSA slapped against my husband so that any further proceedings/any lawful step/course of action may also be dispensed with,” the letter added.

Speaking to HT over phone from Imphal, Ranjita said there was no response from the Manipur government to her letter till Wednesday evening.

Wangkhem, a popular TV journalist, was first arrested in November 2018 for uploading a video on social media which was critical of Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh led government.

Several charges including for sedition and under the National Security Act were slapped against him. He was released in April 2019 after the Manipur high court revoked his detention.

He was again arrested in September 2020 on charges of sedition and promoting enmity between different groups on social media. Wangkhem was released in December 2020 following which he joined Frontier Manipur and started hosting a talk show.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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