Manipur journo’s arrest under NSA Act: Magisterial order makes harsh observations, says scribe’s Facebook post shows seditious attitude

Wangkhem has been sentenced to 12 months of detention, the maximum period that can be awarded to anyone under section 13 of the NSA Act. The district magistrate of Imphal West had ordered detention of Wangkhem on 27 November allegedly after he uploaded videos criticising the BJP-led governments in Manipur and the Centre for observing Rani Jhansi’s birth anniversary. However, the district magistrate’s order putting him in jail makes some harsh observations, calling Wangkhem a ‘habitual offender’ who should be stopped through “an alternative preventive measure”. “It is my considered opinion that Shri Kishorechandra Wangkhem, who is now on bail will resume activities which are prejudicial to the security of State and to the maintenance of public order as he is a habitual offender invoking offences that intend to cause fear or alarm…” The magistrate said his opinion was based on Wangkhem’s conduct in the “proximate past”. “On 19.11.2017 you posted four video clips wherein you used unconstitutional and invective words such as F**k you, s****u many times by showing your middle finger.” The magistrate’s order stated that by calling the celebration of Jhansi queen’s actions an insult to the freedom struggles of Manipur, Wangkhem displayed his “seditious attitude” and “spoke and acted in support of the militants/activists”.