Detention of two for post on social media Free them, demand DESAM, IPAK

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 10 : The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has urged the State Government and authority concerned to release L Bijoyraj and O Amarjit who were arrested by the State police on May 5 and 6 respectively for a post on social media without any condition.
In a statement, DESAM said that arresting the duo for speaking up against the alleged pulling down of the Salai Taret flag atop Mt Koubru by certain people instead of taking actions against the perpetrators is disappointing.
Every flag symbolises value and history of certain entities and is treated with an utmost respect, he added.
Lisham Bijoyraj is the vice president of its Thoubal unit while O Amarjit is the information and publicity secretary of IPSA.
The Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) also appealed to the State Government and authorities concerned to release  L Bijoyraj and O Amarjit at the earliest.
A press release issued by IPAK said that arresting the duo for their post on social media instead of arresting those who disrespected the flag is truly regrettable.
The association, on the other hand,  urged the Government to safeguard the sites sacred to the indigenous people at Mount Koubru and Thangjing Hills.
It also urged the Forest Department to check deforestation, poppy plantation, land encroachment and illegal settlement of villages at the two hills.
IPAK also urged Chief Minister N Biren Singh to regulate a policy to control unchecked deforestation and illegal settlement at the earliest.