Release professors, students of Manipur University arrested by police: Amnesty International India

Amnesty International India Tuesday demanded immediate release of six professors and nine students of Manipur University arrested by the police and said midnight raids and subsequent detentions based on unsubstantiated allegations is "outright harassment".

A total of 89 students and six teachers of Manipur University were arrested early Friday in Imphal following an agitation on the institute's campus.

Amnesty International India said a few days later, these six professors and nine students remained in custody.

The body said the professors and students have been arrested for a range of offences including wrongful confinement, attempt to murder, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy.

"Students and teachers have a right to protest and the Manipur government must respect this right. Midnight raids and subsequent detentions inside a university campus, based on unsubstantiated allegations, is outright harassment," said Arijit Sen, Programme Manager, Amnesty International India.

Sen said there should be an independent investigation into the use of force by police on the university campus.

"Excessive use of force against protesting students in a university cannot be justified under any circumstances. Under international human rights law and standards, law enforcement officials must, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force. Even if used as a last resort, due restraint must be exercised," said Sen.

Sen added that freedom to dissent cannot be held hostage by those in authority.

"The Manipur government must ensure that people are able to peacefully express their grievances without fear of arrest," Sen added.