The legal community, represented by the All Manipur Bar Association, High Court Bar Association, Bishnupur District Bar Association, and Thoubal District Bar Association, staged a sit-in protest at Cheirap Court, denouncing the reported excessive use of force by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during yesterday’s protests.
Addressing the media during the protest, Puyam Tomcha, President of the All Manipur Bar Association, highlighted the unfortunate incident that occurred at the heart of Imphal City in the Cheirap Court Complex. He condemned the use of excessive force by the RAF against protesters, including members of the media and advocates, within the sacred confines of the court.
Tomcha emphasized the sanctity of the Cheirap Court, an ancient institution predating Manipur’s union with India, and called for accountability for those responsible for the excessive use of force. He urged all members of society, including security forces, to uphold the dignity and respect of the court. The protest stemmed from a gathering related to the arrest of six individuals in connection with an alleged arms and ammunition looting incident. Tomcha asserted that the number of protesters was minimal, rendering the use of excessive force unnecessary.