Manipur crisis: Imphal lawyers stage protest against security forces

IMPHAL: Lawyers in Imphal West district of conflict-ridden state of Manipur abstained from their duties on Wednesday (February 21) and staged a sit-in protest within the premises of the Cheirap court complex in Imphal West district.

The demonstration, organized by the All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) and High Court Bar Association (HCBA), aimed to condemn the alleged excesses committed by security forces in Manipur.

Following the protest within the court complex, representatives of the associations issued statements demanding the initiation of a magisterial inquiry, led by a retired magistrate, to investigate the incidents that transpired within the complex.

They also called for enhancing security measures within the court complex within a week.

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The protest stems from clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel on Tuesday (February 20), during which security forces reportedly used Tasers and smoke bombs to disperse the protesters.

The confrontation resulted in injuries to seven individuals, including an advocate. The clashes were related to an arms looting case, with six alleged suspects being remanded into judicial custody for 15 days.

B Supriya, vice-president of AMBA, expressed concern over the authorization for the use of tear gas shells and Tasers, even within the court complex premises.

The tumultuous scenes witnessed at the Cheirap Court complex in Manipur on Tuesday (February 20) have disrupted the normal atmosphere, she remarked.