The Supreme Court on Monday suspended the sentence of self-styled NSCN(M) “lieutenant” Hopeson Nignshen, convicted in connection with the abduction and killing of three Manipur government officials in the state’s Ukhrul district in February 2009.
A bench comprising Justice M M Sundresh and Justice P B Varale noted that Nignshen has been in jail for more than 17 years.
“We are dealing with a case where the appellant has been incarcerated for more than 17 years and therefore, he is relying only on the ground of suspension of sentence, particularly when his appeal is pending. We grant suspension of sentence on the following conditions: the applicant shall stay within the boundaries of Delhi and not leave until the appeal is disposed of,” the bench said.
The counsel appearing for the Manipur government opposed the plea.