Senior Editor Wangkhemcha Shamjai Granted Bail after Arrest
POLITICS
Imphal: Wangkhemcha Shamjai, the senior editor of the vernacular evening daily Kangleipakki Meira, has been granted bail by a court in Imphal following his recent arrest over the publication of an alleged incendiary report.
The Imphal police detained Shamjai on Friday, who also served as the former president of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU). Initially remanded in three days of police custody, Shamjai (67) appeared before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (Imphal West-II) on Sunday.
Citing his status as a senior citizen deeply integrated within society and highlighting health concerns, the court considered that Shamjai posed no flight risk and was willing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. As a result, the court granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with certain conditions, emphasizing that he must not interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence.
Shamjai’s arrest stemmed from a report published in Kangleipakki Meira, which the Imphal police claimed could potentially incite tensions and breed enmity among communities. He was booked under sections 153, 153-A, 505(1)(b), and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
The arrest drew widespread criticism from various quarters, including media organizations like the AMWJU and Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM), political figures, and philanthropic organizations, where Shamjai holds positions.
The media bodies, along with Manipur PCC president K Meghachandra and other senior party members, vehemently condemned Shamjai’s arrest and collectively called for his conditional release.
Shamjai, also the present chairperson of the Paomi Welfare Foundation (PWF), a trust dedicated to the welfare of AMWJU members, has been instructed to appear before the court on January 15 next year.