Normal life in Imphal was severely affected on Friday, April 25, as a 24-hour bandh, called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), brought the city to a standstill. The strike was organized to protest the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Khoisnam Sanajaoba.
Major market hubs, including Thangal Bazar, Paona International Bazar, MG Avenue, and others, remained closed throughout the day. Schools, colleges, and offices were also shut, contributing to the widespread disruption. Public vehicles were off the streets in Imphal East and West districts.
Protesters in Khurai and Kongpal, areas linked to the deceased, blocked roads and burned tyres to enforce the bandh. The situation remained tense as locals demanded justice for Khoisnam, a village volunteer arrested by the state police on March 31, allegedly for his links with the Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba).
In response to the protests, additional security forces were deployed in sensitive areas such as Lamlong, Porompat, and Khurai to maintain order and prevent any escalation of violence.
The JAC, which had submitted a memorandum to the governor on April 17, is calling for an impartial investigation into Khoisnam’s custodial death.
