"Democracy dies in darkness". And nothing is more darker than killing the voice of dissent. In fact, the very survival of democracy depends how freedom of speech and expression.
How is that criticizing the contemporary rulers is a threat to national security? Nothing can be more dangerous than such antics of a democratically ruled state. Once again nation's conscience has been shaken after Imphal-based journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem, was sentenced to a 12-month jail term – the maximum period of detention allowed under the National Security Act- for video criticizing the BJP-led State Government.
How is that criticizing the contemporary rulers is a threat to national security? Nothing can be more dangerous than such antics of a democratically ruled state. Once again nation's conscience has been shaken after Imphal-based journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem, was sentenced to a 12-month jail term – the maximum period of detention allowed under the National Security Act- for video criticizing the BJP-led State Government.
Kishorechandra, working as an anchor-reporter with ISTV, a local news channel, uploaded a video on social media, criticizing the BJP-led state government. In Meitei language, he severely condemned the state chief minister N. Biren Singh for organising a function to commemorate the fight of the Rani of Jhansi against the British and linking it to the freedom movement of Manipur. That was enough to enrage the rulers. He was taken into custody by the state police under the National Security Act (NSA) on November 21 and thereafter case was made to jail him.
Kishorechandra is alleged to have used foul language against the BJP-led government and the ideological mentor of the party, the RSS, besides challenging the state government to arrest him if it could for opposing the function.
The advisory board of NSA, set up under Section 9 of the Act to look into the allegations brought by the state government against the journalist, met on December 11 and conducted hearings on the matter. Two days late, on December 13, the board submitted its report to the authorities approving his detention under the NSA.
The order said: “After considering the proximate past activities of the [detainee] 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 in [similarly] 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.”
Quoting the the magistrate’s order, local news reports said:
“It does not appear to me as an act which is intended to create enmity between different groups of people community, sections etc. nor does it appear to be one which attempts to bring hatred, contempt, dissatisfaction against the government of India or of the state. It is mere expression of opinion against the prime minister and chief minister of Manipur which cannot be equated with an attack to invite people to violence against the government of India or Manipur to topple it.”
Recent developments reminds us the dark days of emergency. Nation's democratic conscience was shaken. During those dark days, the country was turned into a large prison.Opposition leaders were woken up from sleep and taken to the nearest jail forcibly. More than three lakh people including the then RSS Chief Balasaheb Deoras. Jai Prakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, George Fernandes, Charan Singh, Morarji Desai, Nanaji Deshmukh, Madhu Dandavate, and present day prominent leaders Ram Vilas Paswan, Dr Subramanian Swamy, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar were found to be a threat to the security of the country like Maipur journo Kishorechandra, and were imprisoned. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained underground to mobilise support against Emergency.
Then country resolved never to let it happen again. Sadly, the imprisonment of journalist Kishorechandra reminds us nation has learnt any lessons from those dark days. days. Unfortunately, those who were on the forefront of vowing to defend democratic values are now the people stifling the freedom of expression.
History teaches us tyrants and demigods have not survived for long and in the end truth always prevails. Remember the what father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi had said “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall … think of it, always,”
( Chander Sharma)