Manipur journalist, activist arrested over Facebook posts on BJP leader’s death saying cow dung won't cure Covid

Manipur police have booked a local journalist and another activist under the National Security Act (NSA) over their controversial posts on social media on the death of Manipur state BJP president S Tikendra Singh, who succumbed to Covid-19 last week.

On Thursday night, based on an FIR lodged by Manipur state BJP vice-president Usham Deban and general secretary P Premananda Meetei, Manipur police arrested journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem (41) and activist Erendro Leichombam (40) from their houses.

While condoling the death of the BJP leader, the two had said in their Facebook posts that cow urine and cow dung were no cures for Covid-19.

Imphal West district Superintendent of Police PK Meghachandra Singh told India Today TV over phone that both Kishorchandra and Erendro have been booked under the National Security Act.

Kishorchandra Wangkhem and Erendro Leichombam were arrested by the Manipur police under Section 153-A and 505(b)(2) of IPC and also 295-A, 503, 504 and 34 of IPC.

Earlier in 2018, the National Security Act was invoked against journalist Kishorchandra Wangkhem after he posted a video on Facebook and criticized Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He walked out of jail in April 2019.

Erendro Leichombam, who is the convenor of a Manipur-based political party, People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance, was also charged with sedition in July last year following his controversial Facebook post.

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