Veroli Zhimo
The recent detention of a journalist and an activist in Manipur under the National Security Act (NSA) for their Facebook posts attests to the fact that governments, irrespective of the party in power, have been casually invoking laws aimed at preserving public order and security.
It is a clear instance of misuse of power and bypasses constitutional provisions that uphold individual liberty.
The duo—Kishorchandra Wangkhem and Erendro Leichombam were first arrested on May 13, 2021 after they took to Facebook to condole the death of Manipur state’s BJP Chief S Tikendra Singh who died of the infection while also writing that cow dung and cow urine were not cures for COVID-19.
They were arrested based on a complaint filed by state BJP, Vice President, Usham Deban Singh and General Secretary, P Premananda Meetei.
The court had criticised the police, over arresting someone under section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code without a valid reason. The court had asked the police the reason behind the arrest, failing which they would have to comply with departmental action and contempt of court.
They were granted bail on May 17, but the government subsequently invoked the NSA.
The district magistrate of Imphal West said in his order that the two might “resume activities which are prejudicial to the security of the state and maintenance of public order on being released on bail.” However, it must be said that calling out those advocating cow dung and urine as a cure for COVID-19 can in no way be a reason to detain them under the NSA, especially when doctors and scientists in India and across the world have repeatedly warned against the practise of using cow dung as treatment for COVID-19.
President of the Indian Medical Association Dr JA Jayala had also stated that “There is not concrete scientific evidence that cow dung or urine work to boost immunity against COVID-19, it is based entirely on belief.”
The NSA can and should be used only against those advocating armed insurrection or violent disaffection. In this particular instance, it is shocking that the district magistrate held that there was sufficient cause and passed the detention orders, when they posed no threat to public order or security.
Invoking the NSA for calling out quackery is as delusional as the belief in cow dung cure.
The State should revoke its incongruous detention order.
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