The Manipur government's crackdown on an octogenerian social activist and a journalist for the alleged seditious actions means only one thing: when you cannot tackle militants, all you must do is gun for those who have all along stayed away from the militant way of conveying opinions and views. Whosoever is not a lackey of the Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh government must be an enemy of the State. Nipamacha Singh's subsequent decision to clamp down the archaic Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act, 1911 in the Valley distrticts gives one the impression that the state must really be full of enemies of the State.

First things first. What act can be seditious? Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code on Sedition says: "Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine."

Explanation 1 to the section says: "The expression 'disaffection' includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity." Explanation 2 says: "Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures of the Government with a view to obtain their alteration by lawful means, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section." Explanation 3 says: "Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the Government without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section."
The 84-year-old chief advisor of the All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) Thounaojam Iboyaima made a speech at Cheiraoching on April at a function organised by the Manipur Martyr's Memorial Committee that was construed to be seditious. Iboyaima's action may have been an offence under the IPC, but the decision to promulgate the colonial Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act also means that the Manipur government has reason enough to worry that public resentment against the Indian State is on the rise. Is Nipamacha Singh apprehending a mass armed struggle against India?

Anti-Merger sentiments in Manipur have always been strong. They have only grown stronger in the last half-a-decade or so. The rallies of 1996 and 1997 have only demonstrated Manipuri pride. Is the Nipamacha Singh government anticipating such mass gatherings that will give an out-and-out call for secession from the Indian State? Be it so, the Union and state governments have not exactly endeared themselves to the people of the state whose territorial integrity they are trying to maintain. The logic seems if you cannot inculcate a sense of patriotism, then you must thrust it on them.

The arrest of N Biren is all the more shocking. The detention of Naharolgi Thoudang, a newspaper known to be a trenchant critic of the establishment, has been justified under Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution which says: "Nothing in sub-clause (a) of clause (1) shall affect the operation of any existing law, or prevent the State from making any law, in so far as such law imposes reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred by the said sub-clause in the interests of the soverignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of Court, defamation or incitement to an offence." Article 19(1)/a assures that all citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech or expression.

Biren's arrest, in other words, means that in conflict zones the media does not have the right to report what the other side might have to say. But in this case, was Iboyaima really on the other side of the fence? Carrying opinions in a newspaper are one thing. Publishing news items quite another. The contention apparently is that one must faithfully report only what the ludicruous and desultorily-written government handouts dole out. In other words, all wrongs of the government are deemed right. So you can no longer write about what could have happened to Laishram Bijoykumar. You can no more report on the public outcry over disappearances like those of Sanamacha. If you air your views about the barbaric rapes like that perpetrated on Ahanjoubi Devi, you might be called a secessionist.

Nipamacha Singh made one mistake. He thought he could get away with it. Well, he almost did. The landlocked state, now more in the news because of its talented footballers than anything else, remained cut off even in terms of news. The news did trickle out, and now the world knows why Nipamacha Singh is not a good guy after all. But the rest of India hardly knows as much. The news, not expectedly, has not ruffled too many feathers in the mainstream Indian media. Who cares for some lousy journalist of a lousy newspaper of a lousy state in the back of the beyonds? The same people who write tomes to condemn insurgency, militancy, terrorism and what-have-you, cannot even spare a word to denounce the Nipamacha Singhs of the Northeast. Sad, but true.

IMPHAL, April 14: Eighty four year old Thounaojam Iboyaima, chief advisor to the All Manipur Club's Organization and Naharolgi Thoudang editor N Biren were picked up by the state police in connection with a public speech made during the unveiling of Heroes busts at Cheiraoching on April 9 and the subsequent publication of the speech in the Naharolgi Thoudang. The function was organised by the Manipur Martyr's Memorial Committee. The chief advisor of AMUCO, T Iboyaima was picked up by a police team from his residence at Singjamei Thongam Leikai today at 1 a m while the editor, N Biren was picked up from the office of the Naharolgi Thoudang today at about 8.30 p m. Later it was confirmed that a case has registered against the editor under FIR no. 48 (IV) 2000 Lamphel PS U/S 121-121 (A)-124 (A) IPC 13 (I) B-DA (P) Act. Meanwhile the All Manipur Club's Organization has severely castigated the state government for picking up Iboyaima. AMUCO in a press release issued today said that it is inhuman to keep an aged man like Iboyaima who is 84 years old in police custody for 24 hours. The release further said that Iboyaima is a social worker who has taken prominent roles to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state and who has played no mean role to promote communal harmony in the state. AMUCO added that Iboyaima has dedicated his service for the welfare of the society forgoing personal comforts and is a person who has earned the respect and good will of the people of the state. The release said that the state government would do well to release the octogenarian Iboyaima in the interest of the people of the state without nay delay. The release categorically warned that if Iboyaima is not released soon then the government should bear the responsibility of any untoward developments. The two may be produced before the court tomorrow.

IMPHAL, April 15: Eighty four year old social worker T Iboyaima and N Biren of the Naharolgi Thoudang, vernacular daily were remanded to judicial custody till April 29 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal Kh Gomati Devi after Iboyaima refused to move bail. The magistrate ordered that considering his old age Iboyaima be released on bail on a PR bond of Rs. 20,000 and on failure be remanded to judicial custody. Iboyaima refused to move bail saying that he is ready to die inside the jail. Biren also maintained that he would not move bail. The court rejected a prayer by the IO for one-day police remand for the editor. The magistrate also directed the jail authorities to provide pen and paper to the editor while he is inside the jail to enable him write editorials as permissible under the jail rules. Iboyaima, the chief advisor to the All Manipur Club's Organization (AMUCO) and Biren were picked up by the police yesterday. Iboyaima was arrested in connection with a speech made by him during the unveiling of busts of four Manipur's heroes at Cheiraoching on April 9 while Biren was held for publishing the speech. Iboyaima submitted before the court that he was only quoting UN declarations while Biren submitted that he committed no offence. Advocate Mani and advocate Jayanta Singh pleaded on behalf of the accused persons. Submitting that no charges were framed against the accused Mani pleaded for release of the accused persons without any condition. In the order the magistrate said the caption in question, on my careful perusal contains not only from UN declaration but also opinion of the accused no.1 (Iboyaima), which according to the prosecution gave some sort of encouragement to the underground unlawful organisations like the PLA, UNLF, PREPAK, KYKL, KCP etc. Meanwhile, the journalist community strongly protested the arrest of the editor. In an emergency meeting the Journalist Front Manipur condemned the arrest. The meeting decided to blank out the editorial column on Monday and stage a sit in protest from 10 am to 12 noon at Dharna Corner on the same day. A memorandum will also be submitted to the Chief Minister. The Reporter's Forum, Manipur (REFORMS) in a meeting held today also strongly condemned the arrest of N Biren for publishing a news report and asserted that it will take strong action against the government if he is not immediately released. Terming his arrest as gross violation of the freedom of press, REFORMS said the government should apply the same yardstick and editors of the national papers should be arrested for publishing news of banned organisations. (Sangai Express; Imphal; April 16, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 15: Many organisations in the state have deplored the arrest of the Editor, N Biren and chief advisor to AMUCO, T Iboyaima by state police yesterday and demanded their unconditional release. Asserting that the ground of their arrest was insufficient, the committee for Human rights (COHR), Manipur has expressed serious concern. A press release issued by the convener, COHR, Dr L Pardesi stated any attempt to stop anybody from expressing his own feelings and thoughts would be a wrong interpretation of democracy. Iboyaima had only passed his opinion on an issue directly linked with the right to self-determination, which is permitted under Article 1 of ICCPR. In addition, the arrest of an editor for publishing it as a news item is gross violation of the freedom of pres. The Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak, the All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organization, Manipur Students Federation has also condemned the arrest. Social Economic Development Organization, Hiyanglam strongly condemned the arrest of Pabung (father) Iboyaima and urged the government to release the aged social worker as soon as possible. Manipur Students Federation, DM College of Arts Students Union and Irabot Foundation strongly criticised the arrest of the social worker and the editor and demanded unconditional release of the two persons. (Sangai Express; Imphal; April 16, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 16: Several major pressure groups of the state, including the All Manipur United Clubs' Organization, and the committee for Human Rights, COHR, have called a general strike on Tuesday in protest against the arrest of AMUCO chief advisor T Iboyaima and editor of Naharolgi Thoudang, N. Biren. The state wide general strike will begin from the midnight of April 17 till 6 pm of April 18, according to a press release issued jointly under the banner of the committee for Democratic Rights. The statement further demanded the withdrawal of all charges against Iboyaima and Biren, and their immediate release without any conditions. Iboyaima and Biren were arrested by the state police on April 14 last in connection with allegedly secessionist remarks made by the former during the unveiling ceremony of the statues of four heroes of Manipur at the newly constructed Manipur Martyrs' Memorial at Cheiraoching on April 9. Castigating the arrest, the statement asserted that democracy in India had became a sham, as all the democratic rights of the people have been suppressed, including the right to life, right to freedom and political rights. Asserting the fundamental rights have become meaningless for the people of Manipur, the statement said this was the reason that the committee for Democratic Rights had been formed by the major pressure groups of the state. The statement further asserted that in the context of the worsening situation in Manipur, the arrest of Iboyaima and Biren should not be take lightly by the public. All newspaper published in the state are also carrying blank editorials as a mark of protest. (Sangai Express; Imphal; April 17, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 16: A number of human rights organisations and different voluntary organisations operating in this trouble-torn state have strongly condemned the arrest and detention of veteran social worker Thounaojam Iboyaima and editor of a local daily N Biren Singh by Manipur police for delivering seditious speech and publication of the same in the newspaper. Chief advisor of the powerful All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) T Iboyaima was arrested by police for delivering seditious speech during a function held on April 9 last from his house. At the same time, editor N Biren was arrested from his office on April 14 night on the ground that he had published the speech of Iboyaima in his newspaper on April 10 last. The Committee on Human Rights (COHR), in a press statement issued here on Sunday, strongly condemned the arrest of veteran social worker and the editor. Expressing serious concern over the arrest of these public leaders, the statement of the committee charged the state government of violating human rights. It further stated that the deliberation of such an opinion, which happens to be totally against the authority, is accepted even by the United Nations. All Manipur United Clubs Organisation also castigated the arrest and detention of their advisor Iboyaima by the state police authority. It further asked the concerned authority to release the two leaders without any condition in the interest of the general public. If the authority fails to release the leaders, it warned to launch various forms of agitation against the state government. Irabot Foundation, All Manipur Ethnical and Socio-cultural Organisation (AMESCO), DM College of Arts Students Union, Manipur Students Federation (MSF), Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak (MEPWAK), North-eastern Sports and Cultural Association and many other voluntary organisations also severely castigated the arrest of Iboyaima and Biren Singh by police. Most of the voluntary organisations appealed to the authorities concerned to release the two leaders without any condition immediately in the interest of the people of the state. In the meantime, an emergency meeting of the Journalists' Front Manipur (JFM) was held where it was decided to urge the state government to release the editor of local daily Naharolgi Thoudang N Biren in the interest of the journalist community. The meeting of the Journalists Front Manipur also minutely discussed the matter. It further said the editor had only reported the speech of the social worker as per his duty and ridiculed the government for targeting the freedom of press in Manipur. The meeting also resolved that all the newspapers published in Manipur will keep their editorial columns on Monday blank in protest against the arrest of the editor. Besides, it also decided to stage a sit-in protest from 10 am to 4 pm at the dharna corner near Johnstone HS School on Monday after which the journalists will submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Governor in this connection. Meanwhile, Iboyaima and N Biren have been remanded to judicial custody till April 29 by Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal Kh Gomati Devi. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; April 17, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 17 : The majority of the journalists in Manipur participated in the sit-in protest today from 10 am to 12 noon demanding the immediate unconditional release of N Biren, editor of Naharolgi Thoudang, a vernacular newspaper. Later, the journalists held a meeting during which it was decided that as a stepped up protest the press would boycott the Ministers, ruling party's MLAs and those who are holding some posts. After a meeting with the Chief Minister later in the evening this stand was kept at abeyance. After the sit-in protest a delegation of journalists called on the Governor, Ved Marwah. He was reported to have expressed grave concern over the standoff between the government and the press. He also assured the journalists that he would do everything possible to resolve the impasse. In the memorandum, the journalists narrated in a concise but comprehensive way how the editor had been arrested, whisked away, dumped in the police station and then remanded to judicial custody. It is on record that N Biren did not apply for bail while the chief judicial magistrate had granted bail to a co-accused Thounaojam Iboyaima in view of his old age. However, he had also declined to sign the PR bond. Biren maintained that he had not transgressed any law in reporting the speech of Iboyaima. On the other hand, Iboyaima says that he was merely parroting the UN declaration and as such he could not have violated any law. The memorandum to the Governor contended that the editor had not infringed any law. There has been no precedence of arresting a journalist or an editor for covering speeches made in a public function. It further contended, "There is no law which says that reporting is an offence". Even if he has violated some laws he should have been served a show-cause notice as per directives of the Press Council of India. The memorandum says that the Nipamacha ministry may have wreaked revenge on the journalists for the highly critical stand the print media had taken in the last few months. Taking all these factors into consideration, the Governor was urged to intervene. Meanwhile, there is no positive response from the home minister. In an unprecedented development a number of voluntary organisations have called an 18-hour general strike in Manipur in protest against the arrests. The government has not explained the legal position and how these two arrested persons are alleged to have transgressed the legal provisions. A late night press handout said that some journalists had called on the Chief Minister. He reportedly told the delegates that he was in consultation with the officers concerned. (Yakairol; Imphal; April 18, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 18: The 18-hour Manipur bandh called by the newly formed Committee for Democratic Rights (CFDR) from midnight last night in protest against the arrest of a local newspaper editor today crippled normal life across the state. Official sources said attendance in government offices was thin, shops and business establishments remained closed and long-distance buses were cancelled. Sources said the editor of Manipur daily Naharolgi Thoudang N Biren Singh, and noted social worker T Iboyaima Singh were arrested under Unlawful Activities (Preventive) Act on April 14 and remanded to judicial custody. They said the paper had published a "seditious" report based on the speech of Iboyaima Singh at a recent function in connection with erection of statues of some Manipuri leaders at the Memorial Complex at Cheiraoching area here. (PTI; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; April 19, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 18: The 18 hour band called by the newly formed Committee for Democratic Rights (CFDR) in protest against the arrest of veteran social worker T Iboyaima and N. Biren, editor, Naharolgi Thoudang passed off peacefully without reports of any major outward incidents. The bandh, which ended at 6 pm today, was total in most parts of the capital city. Shops and other business establishments in the main market places of Imphal closed during the bandh period. Buses, trucks and other heavy vehicles also stayed off the road although those on emergency duties plied on the road. However, people were seen moving in the streets in their two wheelers. Some rickshaw pullers were also seen. The tourist buses coming from Guwahati and Dimapur safely reached Imphal. However, tourist bus services proceeding from Imphal were disrupted. Educational institutions chose to shut down for the day. In some schools examination scheduled for today were postponed to a later date. According to reliable sources, the attendance in government departments was severely affected by the bandh and was recorded to be very low despite strict instructions to attend office by the government. Some persons believed to be bandh supporters painted the streets with grease. However, it did not result in any serious accidents or injuries. A confrontation reportedly took place between SATJAL activists and women supporters of bandh at Haotabi under Heingang police station around 10.30 this morning. Similar scenes in the capital were also observed in Bishnupur and Jiribam. The main markets were closed and passenger buses and other vehicles, except some two wheelers, stopped plying in support of the bandh. The disruption of passenger buses had a big impact on the attendance in government institutions in Bishnupur which were generally low. However, the bandh had limited influence in Thoubal and Churachandpur districts. Even though the districts were cut off from other parts of the state, normal transactions in the business centres were observed. In Churachandpur town buses plied normally even though the disruption in bus services from Imphal badly hit the attendance in government offices. (Sangai Express; Imphal; April 19, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 18: Amidst protest from various quarters against the arrest of Naharolgi Thoudang, editor, N Biren on charge of sedition the Journalist Front Manipur, has today decided to boycott with immediate effect al state government functions and press releases till April 28, a release said. Important functions and proceedings involving any ruling MLAs or Ministers will not have the due press coverage, it added. Press release of Raj Bhawan and central security forces are however exempted from the boycott. The decision was taken in a meeting of the Front at 1.30 am today at the Press Club, Imphal. The front strongly condemned the state Home department's press release yesterday which justifies the arrest of Biren and said it is an act of infringement on the Freedom of Press. The state Home department release yesterday maintained that the freedom of press enshrined in the Constitution of India subject to reasonable restrictions as prescribed in Article 19 (2) of the constitution. The law imposes restrictions when the sovereignty and integrity of the country is questioned and Iboyaima's quoting of an UN Declaration allegedly justifying the ongoing arms struggle and its subsequent publication in Naharolgi Thoudang is prejudicial to the integrity of the nation, the release had maintained. Besides the ongoing dharna the state journalists had earlier threatened to surrender their press identity cards on April 28 if the state government does not withdraw the case lodged against Biren and release him immediately. Meanwhile, Kangleipak Muslim Chanura Development Organization, Imphal Hands for Peaceful Society (HAPES) and other organizations urged the government today for immediate release of Biren and Iboyaima without any condition. (Sangai Express; Imphal; April 19, 2000)

(RSF/IFEX), April 20 - In a 19 April 2000 letter to the chief minister of India's Manipur state, W. Nipamacha Singh, RSF protested the arrest of N. Biren Singh, editor of the daily "Naharlogi Thoudang". The organisation called on the minister to "ensure the immediate release of the journalist". RSF believes that a jail sentence would constitute a serious violation of press freedom. In a document dated 18 January 2000, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights underlined that imprisonment as punishment for the peaceful expression of an opinion constitutes a serious violation of human rights. According to the information collected by RSF, N Biren Singh, editor of the vernacular-language daily "Naharlogi Thoudang", was arrested on 14 April by police in Imphal, capital of Manipur state, northeastern India. The police accused him of publishing a speech by an activist, T Iboyaima, who has allegedly "encouraged extremist armed groups". The statements published in the newspaper were considered "seditious and anti-nationalist". T Iboyaima, who is 84, was also arrested. In the past three years, fifteen journalists have been detained in Manipur state, accused by the authorities of "supporting armed movements". (Distributed by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) clearing house, Toronto, Canada)

IMPHAL, April 20: The Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers, Manipur state unit, in a press release has demanded the release of the editor Naharolgi Thoudang, N Biren and Social worker, T Iboyaima. S Jugol, the President of the Manipur state unit stated that they had been arrested since the government does not appreciate the value of democracy. In the mean time, the Chief Minister, W Nipamacha Singh, has dispatched an explanatory note to the Prime Minister's Office, PMO, New Delhi, saying that Union minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, T Chaoba was among those who instigated the construction of the Martyr's Memorial Complex at Cheiraoching. The letter was in response to a query by the PMO on April 10, reprimanding top state officials and the CM on the issue. In his faxed reply, the CM apprised the PMO that T Chaoba had instigated the construction of the memorial complex through one of his sons-in-law, who happened to be the vice president of the Manipur Martyr's Memorial Committee. The CM's reply also said that the then state DGP and chief secretary turned a blind eye to the whole episode, adding he would be taking up actions against them. The chief minister's faxed message informed the PMO that his government is closely studying the manner in which the complex was constructed as well as its inauguration so as to take up necessary action. It may be recalled that a senior social worker, T Iboyaima had already arrested for his reportedly seditious speech on the occasion of unveiling of the statues at the complex and the editor of Naharolgi Thoudang for reporting the seditious portion of the speech in his paper. While this paper tried to contact the CM to seek his comment on the matter, they were told that the CM is out station on a trip to Moreh. (Imphal Free Press; Imphal; April 21, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 21: The Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ), a New York based organisation, in a fax message to C M, Nipamacha on April 20 questioned the constitutionality of the statute under which N Biren, Editor, Naharolgi Thoudang and T Iboyaima, Social worker have been arrested and jailed on charge of sedation. Meanwhile, the thirteenth body meeting of Young Lawyer's forum, Manipur held at Officer's Club, Lamphelpat resolved to approach to the concerned authority to submit final report or charge sheet so that the matter may be brought to an end without any delay for the release of T Iboyaima and N Biren. A public meeting, convened by the committee for Democratic rights, Manipur at Manipur Dramatic union Hall today in connection with the arrests of social worker, T Iboyaima and Naharolgi Thoudang editor, N Biren over some allegedly seditious speech delivered by the former, has resolved to place the matter before the global community if the government refused to expedite their release. The meeting, which lasted from 12.30 to about 5.30 pm, was attended by nearly a thousand people, including Prof N Sanajaoba, human right activists RK Anand and Khaidem Mani, Freedom Manipur editor RK Ranendrajit, and MK Binodini Devi, among others. The meeting strongly deplored the arrests of Iboyaima and Biren taking the view that Iboyaima, in his controversial speech, had only cited the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, which has been signed and rectified by the Union government, and has been the basis of many Supreme Court decisions. The meeting also denounced the progressive erosion of democratic rights of the people of Manipur, particularly following annexation by India, and systematic deprivation of the legitimate national rights of the people of Manipur thereafter. While appealing to the state government to unconditionally release Iboyaima and Biren immediately and honour the legitimate aspirations of the people of Manipur, the meeting also resolved to take recourse to general strike if the state government failed to fulfil the people's aspirations, and if the Union government did not direct the state government to release the two leaders. Sanajaoba, addressing the meeting, declared that it would be a mistake for the state government machinery to try and halt history by the arrest of Iboyaima and Biren. History raises its voice through different people, he said, referring to Iboyaima's controversial speech on April 9. Khaidem Mani said that the question of self-determination should be left to the people alone. RK Ranendrajit in his speech charged that the Indian government was preventing the people of Manipur from identifying themselves even as Indians. He further declared that the only way to achieve democratic rights properly is by developing a sense of patriotism. (Imphal Free Press; Imphal; April 22, 2000)

(CPJ/IFEX), April 24 - 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 organisations." 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. (Distributed by the International Freedom of Expression
Exchange (IFEX) clearing house, Toronto, Canada)

IMPHAL, April 29: Eighty four year old social worker, Thounaojam Iboyaima and editor of the Naharolgi Thoudang, N Biren were today further remanded to the judicial custody till may 3 by the Chief judicial Magistrate, Kh Gomati. Both of them had been arrested on April 14. After producing in the court, the next day they were demanded in the judicial custody for 15 days. Though the court had granted them bail, they had preferred to stay inside the jail maintaining that they had done nothing illegal. A large number of Meira Paibi, social worker, journalists, relatives had crowded the court compound to see the two who had been brought from the Sajiwa Jail around noon today. In reply to a question by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Iboyaima said hat he was not indisposed inside the jail. However, he hinted that there were lots of inconveniences since he was staying inside the jail. When the CJM said he could speak anything he liked once he went out on bail, Iboyaima resorted that was against his philosophy to obtain bail. Khaidem Mani, attorney of both Iboyaima and Biren today argued that according to 167 CrPc if the Prosecution and the Investigating officer do not pray for further remand and if the court does not find enough grounds for such remand, the accused should be release on bail or the charges dropped. He further said that the IO has neither furnished the charge sheet against Iboyaima and Biren nor prayed for further remand in judicial custody. He presented the defence case contended that the serious charges leveled by the police are irrelevant and prayed to the court to discharge both the accused. Public Prosecutor Ngangom Tejkumar submitted to the court that there is no objection on granting bail to Iboyaima and Biren. But he prayed to the court to decide whether it is justifiable to dismiss the cases since it is at the investigating stage now. As regards the charge sheets against the accused, he said that he had contacted the police officers concerned and he was given to understand that the same would be furnished soon. When Biren was given a chance to express his views, he said that other newspapers had also published the report concerned. But he was the only one who was arrested. He felt hat he had been victimised so since he had exposed various acts of commissions and omissions. Besides, the freedom of expression had been trampled. He prayed to the CJM to mete out justice. After hearing the two learned counsel and the two accused, the CJM, Gomati remanded both the accused till May 3. Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the Journalists' Front, Manipur was held in the afternoon at Press Club. In protest against the further remand of the editor and social worker, it was agreed that all newspapers should not be published on May 1. The boycott of the government news will also continue till further notice. (Yakairol; Imphal; April 30, 2000)

IMPHAL, April 30: In what can be termed as the first ever incident in this north-eastern most part of the region, the Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh has muzzled the people and the press in the valley districts. The newly appointed chief secretary of the state, Rakesh, has issued a notification on April 26 saying that the government is of the opinion that certain organisations and individuals in the valley districts are promoting 'seditious activities' by holding public meetings, public discussions and issuing provocative statements and speeches. "Under the circumstances, the government feels that the valley districts viz, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur should be declared as 'proclaimed areas' under the Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act, 1911. Under the powers conferred by Section 2 of this Act, the Governor of Manipur declares the areas in these four districts as 'proclaimed areas' for a period of six months with effect from the date of publication of the notification in the Manipur gazette." When this correspondent contacted a top-ranking official whose mastery over the law of the land is well-known and widely appreciated to read the motive of the government behind this discriminatory step, the officer on condition of anonymity explained that this Act had already been in the state of Manipur. For the sake of operation certain areas are thus declared as proclaimed areas, he added. NO PAPERS TODAY: Meanwhile, in protest against the further remand of social worker T Iboyaima and editor N Biren, the Journalists' Front Manipur, the apex body of the journalist community in the state, has decided not to publish any newspapers tomorrow. The meeting of the Journalists' Front Manipur also resolved to continue the boycott of government-related news items till further notice. The octogenarian social worker Thounaojam Iboyaima and editor of the local daily Naharolgi Thoudang, N Biren, were yesterday remanded to the judicial custody till May 3 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kh Gomati Devi. Both of them had been arrested on April 14 last from their respective residence and office by the police. After producing them in the court the next day, they had been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days. Though the court had granted them bail, they had preferred to stay in jail maintaining that they had done nothing illegal. A large number of social workers including Meira Paibis, students, journalists and relatives had crowded the court compound yesterday to see the two who had been brought from the Sajiwa jail. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; May 1, 2000)