Imphal: A general strike called in protest against the custodial death of a 27-year-old militant paralyzed Imphal city on Thursday.
Khoisnam Sanajaoba, also known as Ibungo, a resident of Khurai Ningthoujam Leikai in Imphal East, was arrested by Manipur Police on March 31. He died in judicial custody on April 13.
Police had said Sanajaoba was arrested along with four others and identified them as members of the proscribed underground outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-Noyon faction). They were allegedly involved in extortion and intimidation. Law enforcement officials recovered a 9mm pistol with three live rounds, a pistol holster, three mobile phones, and two two-wheelers from their possession.
In anticipation of possible unrest, the district magistrate of Imphal East imposed prohibitory orders under Sub-section 2 of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The order, issued on Thursday, late evening, cited intelligence from the superintendent of police indicating a high likelihood of disturbances and threats to public safety in Khurai, Lamlong, and Porompat.
Shops, markets, and educational institutions across Imphal were closed, with only a few government employees reporting to work, during the general strike. Security forces were deployed at strategic locations in the city.
A woman street vegetable vendor also shared, “Vegetables spoil easily in summer. I may lose today’s investment. I am also saddened by the young man’s death in custody.” A diesel autorickshaw driver said, “I am the sole breadwinner, stopping work for a day affects my family.”
Roads wore a deserted look as public transport stopped their services. In some parts of Imphal East district, bandh supporters were seen blocking roads by burning tyres. No untoward incidents were reported till the filing of this report.
