A special court in Manipur on Friday granted bail to the five village defence volunteers, a day after demonstrators from various parts of the state attempted to storm police stations as part of “court arrest agitation” over the government’s failure to release the five youths, reports PTI.
The five youths were arrested by Manipur Police on September 16 for possession of weapons and donning camouflage uniforms.
The accused were released on bail after furnishing a PR bond of Rs 50,000 with certain conditions.
In its order, the court asked the five accused to cooperate with the investigation, make themselves available before the investigating authorities and “not influence prosecution witnesses.”
It also directed youths not to leave the state without prior permission.
Rejecting the remand prayer of Manipur police for judicial custody, the court said, “all the accused persons have not yet committed any prejudicial activities against the state till the time of the arrest.”
Defying curfew restrictions, hundreds of women sat in front of the Cheirap court premises in Imphal West district, where the hearing was held demanding the release of the five youths.
After the arrests of the youths, multiple attempts were made to storm Porompat police station in Imphal East demanding their release, reports The Indian Express.
Meitei groups said that the five were “volunteers” and in response to calls by local groups, a 48-hour bandh took effect from midnight on Tuesday.
On Thursday, attempts were made to storm seven-eight police stations in Imphal East, seven in Imphal West as well as a few in Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, sources told IE.
Following the incidents, curfew was imposed in all areas of Imphal West and Imphal East districts.