Imphal: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in response to the custodial death of Khoisnam Sanajaoba has announced a 24-hour statewide general strike, beginning from the intervening night of April 24 and April 25, demanding justice and accountability from the state government. The JAC, in a press release, condemned the government’s silence on the matter and said it has been left with no choice but to intensify its agitation.
The protest comes in the wake of the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Sanajaoba, an under-trial prisoner who passed away on April 13 while undergoing treatment at JNIMS Casualty. Sanajaoba, a resident of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai and a village volunteer during recent conflicts, was arrested on March 31 along with four others for suspected links to the proscribed outfit KCP Noyon (MLF). He was sent to Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, on April 10, and reportedly fell ill during custody. He was admitted to JNIMS hospital three days later, where he died under unclear circumstances.
The JAC stated it had already submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur on April 17 with a detailed charter of demands and had served a five-day ultimatum seeking action. However, with no response from the Governor or the state government, the JAC accused the authorities of treating the issue with indifference and announced the strike as a collective call for justice.
Calling Sanajaoba’s death “unfortunate and condemnable,” the JAC demanded a transparent and impartial probe into the incident. The group is seeking an investigation by an independent agency such as the CBI or a judicial inquiry led by a sitting or retired High Court judge. Additionally, the JAC has demanded the lodging of FIRs against all officials involved in Sanajaoba’s arrest, custody, and investigation.
Other demands include adequate ex gratia compensation to the bereaved family, a government job for a next of kin, and public release of the post-mortem report along with raw-format videography of the examination to ensure complete transparency.
The JAC appealed to all sections of society to support the general strike and stand in solidarity with the demand for justice. Residents of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai had already staged protest demonstrations earlier this week, intensifying pressure on the government to respond. As tensions build, all eyes are now on how the state administration addresses the growing unrest and public demand for accountability.
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