24-Hour Shutdown in Manipur Demands Justice for Laishram Prem’s Killing

Imphal: A 24-hour shutdown called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in connection with the killing of 18-year-old village volunteer Laishram Prem has severely disrupted normal life across the valley region of Manipur.

The strike, which began at 6 PM yesterday, is aimed at demanding justice for Prem, who was allegedly killed by Thoubal district police commandos.

The shutdown has garnered widespread support from local clubs, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) Women’s Wing. Roads across the valley have remained deserted, with government offices operating with significantly reduced attendance and business establishments closed. However, essential services, including medical emergencies, have been exempted from the strike.

The JAC’s demands include strict action against the police officials allegedly responsible for the death of Laishram Prem and the unconditional release of six village defense volunteers arrested during the Salungpham incident in Thoubal district.

The incident, which took place on December 14 near Salungpham High School in Salungpham Maning Leikai, has sparked widespread outrage. While the Manipur Police claim that Prem was killed during an encounter and was allegedly associated with a proscribed militant outfit, the family of the deceased, the JAC, and local meira paibis (women activists) assert that he was a village volunteer with no ties to any militant group.

The JAC has declared that they will not claim Laishram Prem’s body until their demands are met. The killing has evoked strong emotions among the public, particularly among those who view it as an unjust action against village defense volunteers who protect their communities. The shutdown serves as a demonstration of collective anger and a call for accountability from the authorities.

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