Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 8
Human rights activist and senior advocate Khaidem Mani dubbed the statement of the Nagaland Chief Minister Neipiu Rio regarding the Chief Minister of Manipur as a hate speech. The Chief Minister of Nagaland had referred to his Manipur counterpart as one of the biggest enemies of the Nagas.
“Neiphiu Rio could be booked and sentenced to five a year jail term under IPC 153-A for his alleged communal remarks that might spark tensions between the people of the two neighboring states”, said Advocate Khaidem Mani to journalists at the Cheirap Court complex in Imphal. He added that Rio’s statement would result in a “non-bail able and a non-compoundable offence.
Khaidem Mani alleged that it was an attempt by Rio to create enmity between the 34 different communities of Manipur and Nagaland. He further termed the statement as a “non-political statement” and as an incitement of hostility between the two states.
Rio had stated during an election rally in Nagaland on February 6 that the Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi was one of the biggest enemies of the Nagas and that he was responsible for the suppression of Nagas in Manipur.
