Absconder issue: Manipur HC not satisfied with government explanation

The Manipur High Court on Tuesday said it was not satisfied with the government's explanation on declaring activist Khomdram Ratan an absconder.

Ratan, who was the convener of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, was declared an absconder even though he was reportedly available at his home and office. A reward of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for his arrest.

While Manipur Advocate General T. Ibohal said the police in the past had declared some people absconders, he could not satisfy the bench of Chief Justice R.R. Prasad and Justice S. Serto as to whether all legal formalities were followed in Ratan's case.

The Advocate General sought some more time to supplement his statement. The court then fixed Wednesday for the next hearing, saying that it was a matter of public interest and cannot be delayed.

Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, who is leading a battery of lawyers defending Ratan, told IANS that the Advocate General could not explain under what rule Ratan was declared an absconder.

Meanwhile, five women continued with their relay hunger strike, demanding that Ratan be exonerated from the charge of being an absconder.

There were clashes between the police and students of TG HIgher Secondary School in Imphal. A police official suffered injuries as he was hit by stones allegedly thrown by the girls.

--IANS

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