Release the students and withdraw the charges

Shillong, 10th December, 2020

Honorable Education Minister, Govt. of Manipur, Mr. S Rajen recently stated that ‘Sanskrit’ would be introduced in the curriculum of schools and colleges in Manipur. He further stated that a Sanskrit Department would be set up in Manipur University. The Promotion of Sanskrit is being done on the lines of the new National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

In response, the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) in a press release on the 20th of Nov. 2020 vehemently condemned the statement. The Association viewed this move as being dominative and colonial in nature by the present dispensation, thereby subjugating the Indigenous people of Manipur.

On the 30th of Nov 2020, MSAD issued a corrigendum in regard to a particular inappropriate but unintentional term. The association expressed that it was not aimed at any particular religion or community.

Based on the said press release, two executive members, Secretary General, Mr. Singhajit Thokchom and Organization Secretary, Mr. Moirangthem Kennedy of MSAD were arrested by Manipur Police at Delhi on 7th December 2020.

After being produced at Patiala Court, Delhi on 8th Dec. 2020, the two student leaders were convicted under Sec. 153-A/504/505(2)/34 of the IPC and transited to Manipur on the 10th Dec. 2020.

We are convinced that the statements of MSAD was not to malign any religion or particular groups. It was in the interest of the Indigenous people of Manipur.

We therefore reiterate that the action of Government of Manipur is uncalled for and we appeal to the Government of Manipur to immediately release the students and withdraw the charges under Sec. 153-A/504/505(2)/34 of the IPC.

, Ch. Thangamba Meetei
President,
Shillong Manipuri Students’ Union
Shillong, Meghalaya