Manipur: Lawyers go off duty, stage sit-in-protest at Imphal

Imphal: Advocates in the state and members of the All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) on Wednesday took their duties off and staged a sit-in protest against the conduct of Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves for his "unbecoming" of a senior lawyer inciting communal violence in this border state.

The protest was organized at the gate of the Cheirap court, in Imphal West district under the aegis of the AMBA from from 10:30 AM to 2 PM on Wednesday.

Talking to the newsmen, Khwairakpam Iboyaima, chairman of the Bar Council of Manipur stated that the protest follows remarks made by Gonsalves during his speech on International Women’s Day 2024 at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, in which he stated that the Meiteis started the eruption of communal violence against the Kukis.

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The advocates and lawyers in Manipur under the aegis of the AMBA and Bar Council of Manipur have taken strong exception to the remarks made by the senior advocate claiming that the appropriate actions would be taken against the designated senior advocate at the earliest.

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The BCM chairman further stated various forms of agitation would continue until appropriate actions are being taken against Colin Gonsalves by the concerned authorities.

Manipur has been on the boil after clashes broke out between two communities since May 2023 and subsequent large-scale violence. Nearly 226 people including 13 security personnel lost their lives and over 60, 000 people were displaced following the clashes.