Apropos the news item “45 Naga youth granted interim bail after months of incarceration” which was sent earlier in Naga News, the news item may kindly be replaced with the updated press statement as under:

On 15th of May, 2024 about 45 Naga youth were arrested under S. 66 (C) and 66 (D) of the Information and Technology Act, 2000 coupled with S. 419, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B  of the Indian Penal Code. The Naga youth have been languishing in the jail for the last 4 months and both the Ld. CJM and the District Judge had rejected the bail. In these circumstances since the Naga youth were languishing in the jail the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio taking into consideration the plight of the Naga youth stepped in and instructed the Ld. Advocate General of the State to take immediate steps for their release. Accordingly, the Case was heard by the Hon’ble High Court presided over by Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bharadwaj, the matter came up on three occasions. The case was argued by the Ld. Advocate General K.N. Balgopal assisted by Paramjeet Singh Brar and Nitya Nambiar, today the Judgement was passed by the Hon’ble Court granting them interim bail, to the 45 Naga youth. Throughout the progress of the Case, the Hon’ble Chief Minister was monitoring the developments in the matter so as to ensure the speedy release of the Naga youth which included 10 women. The Nagaland Government appreciates the role and contribution of the Advocate General, KN Balgopal in obtaining the bail of the Naga youth.

In the meantime, the State Government is making all necessary arrangements for the safe and smooth return of the youth to Nagaland, through the Home Department and the Office of the Resident Commissioner, New Delhi.

(DIPR)