NIA court keeps in abeyance bail to secessionist

Special Judge (NIA) on Wednesday kept in abeyance an order passed by the same court granting bail to Mark Thangmang Haokip, self-styled president of ‘Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Kukiland’.
The order was kept in abeyance after hearing a prayer from the Manipur government to cancel the bail order and allow custody of the leader of the secessionist outfit for further trial.
The Special Judge (NIA), Imphal on Tuesday ordered release of Mark Haokip on bail upon furnishing a PR bond of Rs two lakh with two sureties (gazetted officer) of the like amount.
The Manipur government, represented by its joint secretary (home) filed the application praying for the cancellation of the bail on Wednesday, an official source said.
In the application, the state government prayed the court to set aside or modify the order granting bail while seeking permission to take custody of Mark Haokip for further trial.
In the application, the counsel of the state government submitted that the order of granting bail overruled the judgment passed by the Manipur High Court on November 2, 2022.
While accepting the application, the court fixed April 3 for hearing to the prayer and objection as Mark Haokip was yet to furnish the PR bond amount to secure his release on bail.
The court also issued notice to superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, returnable on or before April 3 while keeping the operation of the order granting bail in abeyance until further order.
Mark Thangmang Haokip was arrested by Manipur Police from Kishangarh, New Delhi on May 24, 2022 before he was brought to Imphal on May 27.
The Police arrested Haokip for his anti-government Facebook post that also abetted and instigated common people to fight against the government and his acts were tantamount to hatching conspiracy or attempting to commit or advocate acts of terrorism.
The police later alleged he is a self-styled president of the ‘Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Kukiland’ during its investigation to his activities.
They further accused him of involvement in a conspiracy “for secession from India and to wage or attempt to wage war, or abetting waging of war against the Government of India”.