IMPHAL, April 25: A 24-hour statewide bandh called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed in response to the alleged custodial death of Khoisnam Sanajaoba alias Ibungo, brought life across the valley districts of Manipur to a standstill on Thursday.
All business establishments remained shut while commercial vehicles stayed off the roads, with only a few private vehicles seen moving. The bandh received massive public support, with large numbers of people coming out to block highways and roads at various points across the valley.
Prominent commercial hubs such as Ima Keithel, Lamlong Keithel, and Thangal Keithel remained completely closed throughout the day. Public transport services also halted operations. Educational institutions and financial establishments were shut down, and government offices reported extremely low attendance.
The shutdown was in protest of the alleged custodial death of Sanajaoba, who was arrested on March 31 along with four others for alleged links with the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) – Noyon-Military Leader Faction. He was later remanded to Manipur Central Jail in Sajiwa on April 10.
However, Sanajaoba was reportedly admitted to a hospital shortly afterward and declared dead, leading to widespread outrage. In response, the JAC called for a total shutdown beginning from the intervening night of April 24 and 25 to demand justice.
