Centre Asserts Manipulation of Biren Singh Audio; Student Leader Neha Bora Attacked During Protest

The Union government has claimed before the Supreme Court that an audio clip purportedly implicating former Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, in the ongoing ethnic violence in the state has been manipulated. Citing an assessment from the Central Forensic Science Laboratories, the Centre’s counsel informed the court that the audio had undergone 41 alterations. This forensic evaluation was presented by the National Forensic Sciences University, based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, which has now submitted its findings to the court.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has instructed that a copy of the forensic report be made available to both the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, which is the petitioner in this case, and the government. This situation arises amidst heightened tensions in Manipur, where ethnic clashes have escalated, leading to widespread unrest and various political ramifications. The court’s decision to review the audio’s authenticity may have significant implications for the political landscape in the region.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident that has drawn attention, ink was thrown at Neha Bora, a student leader and president of the All India Students’ Association, during a protest in Ranchi. The demonstration was aimed at highlighting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand. Reports indicate that the assailant has been apprehended by police. The attacker claimed to have targeted Bora specifically due to her vocal support for jailed activist Umar Khalid. Disturbingly, it was reported that the assailant shouted “Jai Shri Ram” as he threw ink at her, which adds a layer of political undertone to the incident.

The protest led by Bora was part of a larger movement against perceived injustices in the recruitment process, which has been a point of contention in Jharkhand. The incident of the ink attack not only highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding student protests but also raises questions about safety and freedom of expression for student leaders in the face of political opposition.

In another notable legal matter, the Supreme Court has declined to hear a petition from Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. She sought permission to appear virtually before the police regarding comments she made in July that were considered provocative. Moitra’s request was made with the intention of avoiding potential conflicts arising from her previous statements, which had led to significant backlash.

Source: scroll.in