IMPHAL/KOLKATA: Manipur journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem has been in jail for 50 days now, in detention under the National Security Act (NSA) for posting a video on Facebook thought to be critical of state chief minister N Biren Singh . Local journalists themselves have been mostly silent on the issue, apart from a few Imphal dailies , one of which published a blank editorial in protest soon after his arrest.On November 19, Wangkhem, 39, had put out the video in which he accused the CM of acting as a "puppet" of the Narendra Modi government for the scale at which celebrations of the birth anniversary of Rani Laxmibai were organised in Manipur, a state that until now had shown no such excitement about the historical figure. He was arrested on November 21, released, then picked up again six days later. Under provisions of the law, one can be sentenced to the maximum term of 12 months if the NSA advisory board finds "sufficient cause" for it. In Wangkhem's case, the panel cited "past activities of the detenu and potential danger of his activities which are prejudicial to the security of the State and maintenance of public order" to recommend the punishment."I denounce my detention. This is autocratic and dictatorial," Wangkhem had told the media when he was taken to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for a medical checkup. Faced with rising anger over the action, the CM said, "I can tolerate criticism but not humiliation of my leaders. He was abusing national heroes like Rani of Jhansi and PM Modi, which is beyond freedom of expression. Whether it is justified or not is for the NSA advisory board to say."Between his second arrest and now, Wangkhem has been denounced by his former employer Brojendro Ningombam, editor-in-chief of Information Service TV Network (ISTV), who is also the president of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU).

Stay updated with all the Latest Imphal headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.