Jailed Manipur journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem is having “severe health problems” and is currently undergoing treatment at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences at Imphal in Manipur.
Wangkhem was arrested on November 21, 2018 by the Imphal West Police after he ruffled the state government’s feathers by uploading a video on social media criticising the BJP-led state government in Manipur.
He has been put behind bars for 12 months under the National Security Act (NSA). Though the hospital authorities and the police are tight-lipped about his health condition, Kishore’s wife Ranjita Elangbam said that he “looked weak”.
The report quoted Ranjita as saying, “The sugar level is very high at 500 plus after food. He has also lost weight. We are not allowed to speak to him and he is guarded by around 20 security personnel. This is very painful.” Ranjita said that Kishore would need “special care” as his health condition has deteriorated.
The report further quoted her as saying, “I’m worried seeing his health. He needs special care either at home or hospital. I request the authority to provide him with the best health facilities.” Kishore is presently being lodged in the Sajiwa Central Jail in Imphal East since November 27 last year. He was working as an anchor-reporter with ISTV, a local news channel.
He was arrested under Sections 294 and 500 of the IPC in addition to Section 124 A, which deals with sedition. The Manipur government has been facing severe criticism for arresting the journalist under the NSA for a “petty issue”.
