JAC threatens to organise state-wide shutdown in Manipur

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed to question the Manipur government over the controversial death by hanging of Sagolsem Prashanta, staged sit-in-protest between Lilong Bridge and Kakwa Keithel and demanded immediate justice for his family.

Prashanta was founding hanging on a tree near a water supply point located close to the Lilong police station eight days ago.

A large number of women, including Meira Paibis, a member of the women's social movement in Manipur, and club members joined the protest at different points along the roadside.

This was followed by a rally from Kakwa to the Chief Minister's official residence but they were blocked by police at Singjamei Chingamakhong.

"JAC's stand is demanding the real culprit, till then we will continue our agitation. As assurance by the Chief Minister, they have assured a positive result within two days. In consideration of the rainy weather, we will discuss and take further course of action. If government fails to produce the culprit, then we will intensify our agitation," said Asem Sunil, JAC Convenor.

Nonetheless, some JAC representatives and a few family members of the deceased were allowed to proceed and meet the Chief Minister.

"Unless and until the murderer is being arrested and booked, we will carry our agitation and will called bandh statewide. Until the murderer is brought out, till then I'm not going to receive the dead body of my son. If arrested, we will not allow the culprit to be handed to the police, instead we will kill him like my son was being murdered," said mother of the deceased, Jandho.

Protesters demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the culprits involved in the killing of Prashanta to deliver justice to the family of the deceased.

Prashanta was found hung to death at Lilong area in a suspicious manner.