A 24-hour statewide bandh in Manipur’s Imphal Valley has disrupted normal life, following the alleged custodial death of Khoisnam Sanajaoba, a 27-year-old from the region. The strike, organized by a Joint Action Committee (JAC), led to the shutdown of markets, schools, and public transportation in the districts of Imphal East and West on Friday.
Authorities responded by deploying security forces in strategic locations such as Khurai, Lamlong, and Porompat. The state had already preemptively enforced prohibitory orders in these areas late Thursday, restricting public gatherings and barring weapons or dangerous items to maintain order.
In Khurai, Sanajaoba’s home constituency, residents took to the streets, blockading roads and setting tires ablaze to enforce the bandh. The JAC, established in the wake of Sanajaoba’s death, has accused the government of inadequate response and is demanding a comprehensive investigation. The group claimed to have submitted a memorandum to the governor on April 17, outlining their demands, but they have yet to receive a reply.
Sanajaoba was taken into custody on March 31, accused of affiliations with the outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party. He was subsequently incarcerated at Manipur Central Jail in Sajiwa on April 10 and then transferred to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences three days later, where he was pronounced dead.
Described as a “village volunteer” by the JAC and local civil society organizations like Meira Paibis, Sanajaoba’s death has sparked a series of protests. These groups have staged continuous sit-ins, demanding accountability from authorities. The situation has intensified the unease in Manipur, a state already grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, which has resulted in over 260 fatalities. The state remains under President’s Rule.
Despite the bandh’s disruption, the JAC insists on the need for an unbiased probe into the incident, signaling the potential for further unrest if their demands aren’t met. The committee’s persistence underscores the broader tensions and demands for justice within the community.
As the story develops, it highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in government actions, resonating deeply with citizens concerned about rights and justice. This local conflict mirrors issues seen globally, where communities demand fair treatment and transparency from their authorities. For those following events in Manipur, this is a pivotal moment in the region’s ongoing struggle for stability and justice.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-bandh-disrupts-life-in-imphal-valley-amid-outcry-over-custodial-death-1204235-2025-04-25?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-04-25 10:08:00
