Imphal, Aug. 17: Khomdram Ratan, a leader of the ongoing movement for inner-line permit, who has been declared "wanted" by police, took part in a mass relay hunger strike here today.
The police did not make any attempt to arrest Ratan, who took part in the hunger strike at Keishampat of Imphal city for several hours during the day.
The police last month registered a criminal case against Ratan, then convener of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, a public conglomerate, accusing him of being a member of banned United National Liberation Front and indulging in pre-judicial activities against the state, promoting social unrest, rioting and enmity among people.
The police also announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
"We will not arrest him because we are waiting for high court's verdict on his petition," a police officer told The Telegraph .
Ratan filed a petition on June 27, challenging the police case. Manipur High Court yesterday reserved its judgment on the petition. The court may announce the judgment any day.
Ratan sat along with women activists and students at Keishampat where the relay hunger strike is being conducted daily since last month, denouncing the "wanted" tag on Ratan and also in support of legislations like the inner-line permit.
The Okram Ibobi Singh government is working on such a bill which is likely to be introduced during the next Assembly session to be held in September.
"I am innocent. The government is trying to isolate me from public movements by making false charges. I don't break any law so I am here sitting today with other protesters to prove my innocence and I am not absconding," Ratan said.
This was his first public appearance after the police declared him wanted.
"I was busy filing my petition in the high court and consulting my lawyers. I took part in consultations though I have not taken part in public agitations. Today I am here and will continue to work with the people and struggle for a legislation that can protect the interests of the indigenous people of Manipur," he said.
Ratan also denied the charge that he is a member of the banned militant organisation.
