IT News
Imphal, Apr 17:
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the suspicious custodial death of Khoisnam Sanajaoba alias Ibungo has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, seeking justice and issuing a five-day ultimatum for action. The committee has warned of launching intense forms of agitation if their demands are not met within the stipulated time.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Manipur Press Club today, Y. Nungsitombi, co-convenor of the JAC, stated that a four-point charter of demands has been placed before the Governor through his official representative, urging immediate intervention to ensure justice for the deceased. Sanajaoba, a 27-year-old under-trial prisoner, died under mysterious circumstances in judicial custody on April 13 at JNIMS Casualty.
Condemning the incident, the JAC termed the death a grave violation of human rights and a direct infringement of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. Nungsitombi said the custodial death reflected a serious failure of the authorities concerned to uphold the rule of law and protect individuals in their custody.
To prevent the recurrence of such incidents, the JAC has demanded an impartial investigation by an independent agency such as the CBI or a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting or retired judge of the High Court. The committee also called for the lodging of an FIR against all officials involved in the arrest, investigation, and custodial care of the deceased.
Other key demands include the provision of adequate ex gratia compensation to the family, appointment of a suitable public job for the next of kin, and the submission of the post-mortem report along with raw-format videography of the examination.
The JAC has urged the Governor to fulfil these demands within five days, failing which it warned of launching widespread agitations to press for justice.
It may be mentioned that Khoisnam Sanajaoba, son of Gandhi of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, was arrested on March 31 along with four others for their alleged association with the proscribed outfit KCP (Noyon/MLF) from Sawombung Thongkhong. He was remanded to judicial custody at Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, on April 10 and was admitted to JNIMS three days later, where he breathed his last.
In the wake of his death, the residents of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai constituted a JAC and staged a protest demonstration yesterday, demanding justice, punishment for those responsible, and full transparency in the ongoing investigation.
