35 students detained in Delhi for protesting the detention of journalist Kishorchandra Wangkhem under NSA

The Delhi police detained 35 students who were holding a protest on Sunday at Manipur Bhawan, Delhi, against the detention of journalist Kishorchandra Wangkhem under the National Security Act. The students were members of Manipur Students Association, Delhi, and Delhi Association of Manipur Muslim Students, The Northeast Today reported.

The report said: “It is reported that the 35 students were detained at two different police stations: Tughlaq police station and Chanakyapuri police station. Later, 30 students were reported to have been shifted to Mandir Marg Police station from Chanakyapuri police station.”

Wangkhem was arrested on November 30 under the NSA after he put up a video, which went viral, where he was criticising the BJP and chief minister. He had earlier been arrested and released on bail 24 hours before.

On December 14, the former ISTV staffer was given a one-year jail term under the NSA. Imphal Free Press reported the advisory board of the NSA “unanimously opined that there are grounds and sufficient cause for detention of the detenu under NSA”. The order said: ““After considering the proximate past activities of the detenu and potential danger of his activities which are prejudicial to the security of the state and maintenance of public order and there is apprehension of his continuing to act similar prejudicial activities, the moment he is released from detention, is further of the opinion that the said person should be detained for the maximum period of 12 months as provided under Section 13 of the said Act.”