IT News
Imphal, April 24:
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the alleged custodial death of Khoisnam Sanajaoba alias Ibungo has announced a 24-hour statewide bandh beginning from the intervening night of April 24 and 25. The bandh is being called in protest against what the JAC terms as “deliberate silence and inaction” by the government despite repeated pleas for justice.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the JAC stated that it had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur on April 17, listing a charter of demands which included a fair and impartial investigation into the death. The committee had also served a five-day ultimatum, but no response was received from either the Governor or the state government, the release noted.
The JAC strongly condemned the government’s indifference to the custodial death and said such apathy has compelled them to intensify their agitation. It appealed to all sections of society to extend support to the bandh as a show of solidarity in the fight for justice.
“Sanajaoba was a village volunteer who rendered significant service during the recent crisis. His death under judicial custody is deeply unfortunate and unacceptable. The authorities concerned must be held accountable,” the release said.
The JAC has demanded a probe by an independent agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting or retired judge of the High Court. It also called for immediate registration of an FIR against all officials involved in the arrest, interrogation, and custodial care of the deceased.
Among other key demands are the submission of the full post-mortem report along with raw-format videography of the examination, provision of adequate ex gratia compensation to the bereaved family, and appointment of a suitable government job to the next of kin.
It may be recalled that Khoisnam Sanajaoba, 27, son of Gandhi from Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, was arrested on March 31 along with four others for their alleged involvement with the proscribed outfit KCP (Noyon-Military Leader Faction).
He was remanded to Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa on April 10. On April 13, just three days later, he was admitted to the casualty ward of JNIMS and later pronounced dead.
In response to his untimely death, residents of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai formed the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and staged a protest demonstration, demanding transparency in the investigation and punishment for those responsible.
The JAC reiterated that no amount of compensation can replace the life lost, but justice must be delivered to restore public trust in the system.
