Manipur Lawyers Withdraw from Representing Kuki Professor Amidst Threats and Mob Attack
In a turn of events that has raised eyebrows in the legal community, four Imphal-based lawyers have decided to recuse themselves from representing Professor Kham Khan Suan Hausing, a distinguished member of the Kuki community, in a case before the Manipur High Court. Their decision comes in the wake of alleged threats from members of the Meitei community and a subsequent mob attack on the residence of one of the lawyers.
Advocate Soiraisham Chitaranjan, who was at the forefront of representing Professor Hausing, faced a harrowing experience when his home was reportedly vandalized by an aggressive mob. This incident, coupled with the alleged threats, led Chitaranjan and his colleagues – Victor Chongtham, Th. Zingo, and A Priyokumar Sharma – to reconsider their involvement in the case. In a formal memo submitted to the court, the legal team indicated their collective decision to no longer represent Professor Hausing in the ongoing case titled [Kham Khan Suan Hausing vs State of Manipur and Ors.].
In a direct communication to the Manipur High Court, Advocate S Chittaranjan stated,
“he and his colleagues have decided to withdraw themselves from the case due to ‘personal difficulties.'”
This statement subtly alludes to the challenges and threats they encountered, given the case’s socio-political implications and the tensions it has stirred among different community groups.
The gravity of this situation is further underscored by the fact that the lawyers felt compelled to step back from a case due to external pressures and threats. Such incidents highlight the pressing challenges faced by legal professionals, especially when their cases intersect with community tensions or have broader socio-political ramifications. The ability of lawyers to represent clients without facing threats or intimidation is a cornerstone of the justice system. Incidents like these emphasize the urgent need for enhanced security measures and protections for legal practitioners, ensuring they can uphold the principles of justice without fear.
