A special NIA court in Imphal on Friday granted bail to five Meitei youths, whose arrests triggered protests, particularly by the strong Meira Paibis, the women vigilante group since September 16.
The bails granted to the accused were expected to pacify the protesters but one of them was re-arrested leaving the protesters angry. Sources said one of the accused, Morrangthem Anand, was re-arrested by the NIA and was reportedly flown to New Delhi for investigation.
The Special NIA court granted the bail saying that the investigating officer could not show prima facie any case against them for commission of terrorist acts and prejudicial activities against the State attracting Section 16 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 16 and Section 121 A of IPC.
The court granted the bail with conditions that they would assist in the investigation, would not try to influence the investigation and would not leave Manipur without permission. A large crowd of women gathered outside the court premises and shouted slogans till the court pronounced its order and granted the bails.
The five Meitei youths were arrested on September 16 as they were allegedly caught with sophisticated weapons and were found donning camouflage uniforms. The youths were booked under sections under Unlawful (Activities Prevention) Act and IPC.
But the women protesters claimed that they were not "armed miscreants" as claimed by police but are "village volunteers" who tried to 'defend' the Meitei villages from attacks by "narco terrorists" belonging to the Kukis. Kuki groups, on the other hand, claim that such "armed miscreants" are targeting the Kukis and are being assisted by police and Meira Paibis in carrying out attacks on the Kukis.The women protesters imposed a 48-hour bandh in Imphal Valley and tried to storm police stations on Thursday demanding their unconditional release. The curfew was reimposed in the Valley districts fearing more tension.
Published 22 September 2023, 11:24 IST