In a 20 April 2000 letter to Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh, CPJ noted that it is deeply disturbed by the imprisonment of Nongthonbam Biren, chief editor of the Manipuri-language daily "Naharolgi Thoudang", and Thounaojam Iboyaima, the author of a speech recently published in the newspaper.
Biren and Iboyaima were arrested on 14 April in Imphal, the capital of Manipur State, and detained overnight. They appeared before Judge Gomati Devi, chief justice of Imphal West District, on 15 April, and were charged under sections 121, 121-A, and 124-A of the Indian Penal Code. Section 124-A says that "Whoever by words, either spoken or written . . . attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government" may be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Iboyaima delivered his speech on 9 April, citing United Nations declarations in support of the argument that "armed rebellion may be a last resort against colonial oppression," according to a report circulated by the Imphal-based Centre for Organisation, Research, and Education.
Judge Devi said that the speech, "according to the prosecution, gave some sort of encouragement to . . . underground, unlawful organizations." A number of insurgent groups operate in Manipur, and are fighting against Indian rule.
Biren and Iboyaima were remanded to judicial custody and are being held at Sajiwa Jail in Imphal. They are scheduled to stand trial on 29 April.
