The 24-hour statewide bandh called to protest the alleged custodial death of a 27-year-old man earlier this month affected normal life in Manipur’s Imphal valley on Friday.
Markets and educational establishments were closed and public vehicles remained off the roads in Imphal East and Imphal West district. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the alleged custodial death of Khoisnam Sanajaoba alias Ibungo imposed a 24-hour statewide bandh, starting from the intervening night of April 24 and 25. The bandh has been called in protest against what the JAC describes as the government’s “deliberate silence and inaction” despite repeated appeals for justice.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the JAC stated that a memorandum was submitted to the Governor of Manipur on April 17, outlining key demands, including a fair and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sanajaoba’s death. A five-day ultimatum had also been served, but no response was received from either the Governor’s office or the state government, the committee noted.
Condemning what it termed as government indifference, the JAC said the lack of action had left them with no choice but to escalate their agitation. It urged all sections of society to support the bandh as a collective stand for justice.
“Sanajaoba was a village volunteer who contributed significantly during the recent crisis. His death under judicial custody is both tragic and unacceptable. Those responsible must be held accountable,” the statement said.
The JAC has demanded that the case be handed over to an independent agency like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or be investigated through a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting or retired High Court judge. The committee is also pressing for immediate registration of an FIR against all officials involved in Sanajaoba’s arrest, interrogation, and custodial care.
Additional demands include the release of the complete post-mortem report along with the raw video footage of the examination, adequate ex gratia compensation for the deceased’s family, and a government job for a next of kin.
It may be recalled that Khoisnam Sanajaoba, 27, son of Gandhi of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, was arrested on March 31 along with four others for alleged links with the proscribed KCP (Noyon-Military Leader Faction). He was remanded to Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa on April 10. Just three days later, on April 13, he was admitted to the casualty ward of JNIMS and subsequently declared dead.
The incident sparked widespread outrage in Sanajaoba’s locality, with residents forming the JAC and staging demonstrations demanding justice and transparency in the case.
The JAC reiterated that while no compensation can bring back a life, justice must prevail to restore public confidence in the system.
