Front Line and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) are pleased to inform you of the release of Mr. Jiten Yumnam and seven other persons from custody in Manipur state, India. The administration released the detainees on 7 January. Jiten Yumnam is a human rights defender and freelance journalist working in the Indian state of Manipur.

Further Information

On September 14, 2009 the Manipur State Police Commando Unit arrested Jiten Yumnam along with eight other persons. The series of events that culminated in the arrest and detention had invoked worldwide condemnation against the Manipur state administration. It is widely believed that the arrest was to end a mass protest going on in the state against the extrajudicial execution of two persons on July 23, 2009.

Before releasing the detainees, the government dropped the charges against them. In the meanwhile an investigation is ordered into the 23 July murder. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will investigate the case.

The AHRC and Front Line are monitoring the developments in Manipur, in particular the investigation into the 23 July incident, and the security of human rights defenders like Jiten who were part of the mass protest.

Original Front Line Appeal on behalf of Jiten Yumnam