Manipur has refused to compensate activist Leichombam Erendro for his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) for an “objectionable” Facebook post, saying he is a “habitual offender” whose arrest was essential to maintain public tranquillity. Erendro, who was released in July, was arrested for poking in a Facebook post fun at cow urine and dung being used as a cure for Covid-19 following the death of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party chief S Tikendra Singh of the disease. Also Read | Meghalaya hands over erstwhile royal estate in heart of Shillong to ManipurThe affidavit listed eight pending criminal cases against Erendro, which include four filed in connection with his May 13 post. The affidavit described Erendro as an “influential young social activist” with a huge fan following on social media that raises him to the status of a “celebrity”. “There was no malafide intention…the detention order was passed taking into account the situation that was prevailing at the time when the post was made on Facebook.

Source: Hindustan Times August 17, 2021 06:45 UTC