Manipur: JAC Gives Government 48 Hours to Investigate Suspicious Death of 15-Year-Old Student
The newly constituted Joint Action Committee (JAC) has given the Manipur government a 48-hour deadline to investigate the suspicious death of a 15-year-old boarding student and arrest all those involved. The committee warned of statewide protests if its demands are not fulfilled within the stipulated time.
The student, who was staying at the boarding facility of Brighter Academy in Nambol Oinam, was found hanging near the Kangbei Maril River, close to Oinam Bazar, on November 7.
The victim’s family and the JAC have alleged foul play, claiming that the boy was physically assaulted and murdered before the incident was portrayed as suicide.
During a press briefing at Heinoubok Loyalakpa Youth Club, the student’s mother stated that the family had received information alleging that a female teacher had beaten her son before he went missing. She further claimed that signs of physical assault, including injuries to his hands and legs, were noticed at the scene.
The mother said the family had entrusted the school with her son’s education and future, believing the assurances given by the institution’s administration.
Thokchom Lamjingba Meitei, a JAC member and secretary of the Development and Protection United Voluntary Organisation, Nambol, confirmed that the committee had been formed to pursue justice for the deceased student.
Apart from demanding a thorough investigation and the arrest of all suspects, the JAC has sought financial compensation for the bereaved family. It also announced plans to submit a memorandum to the concerned authorities.
The committee warned that failure to fulfil its demands would trigger wider agitations involving local clubs, Meira Paibi groups, civil society organisations and student bodies across the state.
On November 9, residents of Nambol, Irengbam, Oinam and Leimaram Heinoubok staged a mass sit-in protest at Heinoubok Mamang Leikai. Protesters carried placards demanding justice for the student and calling for a fair and transparent investigation.
JAC member L. Premila Leima also condemned the incident, alleging growing negligence in schools and boarding facilities in the area. She stated that the family would not accept the student’s body until its demands were fulfilled.
Meanwhile, the Bishnupur District Recognized Private School Association (BDRPSA) expressed condolences to the bereaved family, teachers and classmates of the deceased student and called for an impartial investigation based on evidence.
The association also condemned the alleged burning and destruction of school property before the completion of the official investigation. It appealed to the district administration to coordinate with the school to ensure the safety of other students and facilitate the continuation of regular classes.
