A 48-hour strike over Laishram Rakesh’s killing disrupted normal life in Manipur, as police arrested a third accused
IMPHAL — A 48-hour general strike called by a joint action committee (JAC) demanding the arrest of those responsible for the killing of Laishram Rakesh disrupted normal life in Manipur on Friday, with road blockades and tyre-burning reported mainly in Thoubal district.
The strike began at 5 am, with protesters blocking National Highway 102, also known as the Imphal-Moreh road, at Arong Thong, Khangabok and Wangbal in Thoubal district. Tyres were burnt at several locations, disrupting vehicular movement.
Markets in Thoubal, Wangjing, Khangabok and Yairipok remained closed. In Imphal, shops along Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, MG Avenue and Khoyathong road also remained shut. The strike affected educational institutions across the five valley districts, including the state capital.
The JAC against the Brutal Killing of Laishram Rakesh of Khangabok was formed after Rakesh died of a bullet injury sustained in a shooting incident at a musical night venue between Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham under Thoubal police station on the night of October 18.
The committee had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister on Thursday, demanding the arrest of those responsible. It alleged that the authorities had failed to provide a meaningful response despite repeated appeals for justice.
Meanwhile, police arrested a third accused in connection with the October 18 shooting. Two suspects had earlier been formally arrested, and a double-barrel gun seized.
In a separate measure, the Thoubal district magistrate on Friday ordered licensed firearm holders in Sangaiyumpham and Khangabok to deposit their weapons at Thoubal police station by October 24.
The order followed a request from the Thoubal superintendent of police citing the prevailing security situation in the two villages. The officer-in-charge of Thoubal police station has been directed to issue notices to the licence holders, ensure the safe custody of the firearms in the police armoury and provide acknowledgements upon deposit.