Manipur Bandh Disrupts Life in Imphal Valley Amid Outcry Over Custodial Death
Summary of the Incident
On April 25, 2025, a 24-hour statewide bandh, organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), brought normal life to a standstill across Manipur’s Imphal Valley. The bandh was in response to the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Khoisnam Sanajaoba, who was arrested on March 31 for alleged links to the banned Kangleipak Communist Party. Sanajaoba was sent to Manipur Central Jail on April 10 and admitted to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences three days later, where he was declared dead shortly after. The JAC has accused the state of inaction and demanded a fair probe, submitting a memorandum to the governor on April 17 without receiving a response. The bandh led to the closure of markets, schools, and suspension of public transport in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, with residents blocking roads and burning tyres to enforce the shutdown.
Detailed Analysis: Understanding the Unrest
The Arrest and Alleged Custodial Death
The sequence of events began with the arrest of Khoisnam Sanajaoba on March 31, 2025, along with four others, for alleged links to the banned Kangleipak Communist Party. He was subsequently sent to Manipur Central Jail in Sajiwa on April 10. On April 13, he was admitted to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences and was declared dead shortly after. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious concerns and allegations of custodial torture.
The Role of the Joint Action Committee (JAC)
In response to Sanajaoba’s death, a Joint Action Committee was formed to demand justice and accountability. The JAC submitted a memorandum to the governor on April 17, outlining their demands for a fair and impartial investigation. However, the lack of response from the government has intensified public outrage, leading to the organization of the 24-hour bandh.
Impact of the Bandh on Daily Life
The bandh had a significant impact on daily life in the Imphal Valley. Markets and schools were closed, and public transport services were suspended in Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Residents in areas like Khurai, Sanajaoba’s native constituency, blocked roads and burned tyres to enforce the shutdown. The widespread participation in the bandh reflects the deep-rooted frustration and demand for justice among the populace.
Government and Security Response
In anticipation of the bandh, the state government imposed prohibitory orders in key areas, including Khurai, Lamlong, and Porompat in Imphal East, banning the assembly of more than five people and the carrying of weapons or potentially dangerous objects. Security forces were deployed heavily across these areas to maintain order. Despite these measures, the bandh proceeded with significant public participation, indicating the depth of public sentiment on the issue.
Community Involvement and Civil Society’s Role
Civil society groups, including the Meira Paibis, have been actively involved in demanding accountability for Sanajaoba’s death. These groups have organized sit-ins and protests, amplifying the call for justice. Their involvement underscores the critical role that community organizations play in advocating for human rights and holding authorities accountable.India Today NE
Broader Context: Ethnic Tensions and President’s Rule
Sanajaoba’s death and the subsequent unrest occur against a backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. The state remains under President’s Rule, reflecting the severity of the situation. The alleged custodial death has further exacerbated tensions, highlighting systemic issues within the state’s law enforcement and governance structures.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was Khoisnam Sanajaoba?
He was a 27-year-old individual arrested for alleged links to the banned Kangleipak Communist Party and later died under suspicious circumstances while in custody.
Q2: What is the Joint Action Committee (JAC)?
The JAC is a coalition formed to demand justice for Sanajaoba’s death, advocating for a fair and impartial investigation.India Today NE
Q3: How did the bandh affect daily life in Imphal Valley?
The bandh led to the closure of markets and schools, suspension of public transport, and road blockades in various areas, significantly disrupting daily activities.
Q4: What actions has the government taken in response to the bandh?
The government imposed prohibitory orders in key areas and deployed security forces to maintain order during the bandh.
Q5: What is the broader context of unrest in Manipur?
Manipur has been experiencing ongoing ethnic violence since May 2023, leading to over 260 deaths and the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.
