48-hour general strike postponed; KCP urges alternative protest

The 48-hour general strike called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the death of Maibam (O) Khangembam Ningol Samita Devi has been postponed. The JAC had earlier announced the strike from the midnight of August 3, following the death of Samita while delivering a baby at Thoubal District Hospital on July 28.
In a joint statement signed by JAC Chairperson Kh. Meratombi Leima and Convenor S. Jameson Singh, the committee informed that the decision to postpone the strike was taken after consultations with local clubs and Meira Paibi groups in view of Manipur Integrity Day being observed on August 4.
The JAC, however, warned that if the government fails to release the inquiry and post-mortem reports within this week, it would intensify the agitation in collaboration with other civil society organisations. The committee reiterated its stand that it will not accept the body until justice is served.
Meanwhile, the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), through a statement issued by its Secretary of Information & Public Relations, M. Punsiba Meitei, urged the JAC to call off the 48-hour strike. The outfit termed Samita’s death as unfortunate but stated that imposing a bandh is not an appropriate method to seek justice and goes against public interest.
KCP further stated that if the death was indeed suspicious, a First Information Report (FIR) should have been filed and a post-mortem conducted to determine whether there was any wrongful or cognizable offence or professional negligence by the medical staff.
While expressing sympathy over the loss, the KCP pointed out that such a prolonged strike would mainly affect daily wage earners, students, and women vendors who rely on daily sales to support their families. The outfit suggested that justice for Samita should be pursued through engagement with elected local bodies such as the Panchayat, Municipal Council, or the area MLA.
The statement also warned that if the JAC fails to withdraw the bandh call, the KCP may initiate efforts to seek justice on behalf of those adversely affected by the strike.