Title: Custodial death of man sparks protest in Manipur
In a shocking incident, a 27-year-old man, Khoisnam Sanajaoba of Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, was found dead while in judicial custody, sparking widespread protests in Imphal East district of Manipur. The incident has raised serious concerns over the treatment of prisoners in the state and the accountability of law enforcement agencies.
According to reports, Sanajaoba was arrested on March 31 by Imphal East district police from Lamlong Bridge, reportedly in connection with anti-social activities and alleged links to the KCP-Noyon outfit. He was subsequently taken into custody and lodged in a local jail. However, on April 1, his lifeless body was found in the jail premises, sparking outrage and protests among locals.
The protests began soon after the news of Sanajaoba’s death spread, with hundreds of people taking to the streets to demand justice and accountability. The protesters, mostly locals from Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, marched through the streets of Imphal East district, blocking roads and disrupting traffic. The protesters also blocked the National Highway-2, a major connectivity route between Imphal and other parts of the country.
The protesters, who were mostly youth and women, chanted slogans, demanding justice for Sanajaoba and an end to custodial deaths in the state. They also raised questions over the allegations of torture and harassment of prisoners in the state’s jails.
The protests were led by local leaders and civil society organizations, who condemned the incident and demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sanajaoba’s death. The protesters also demanded compensation for the family of the deceased and action against the police officials responsible for his death.
The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, and a team of senior officials, including the Director General of Police, has been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sanajaoba’s death.
The incident has also sparked concerns over the treatment of prisoners in Manipur’s jails. Human rights organizations have long been highlighting the issue of custodial deaths and torture in the state’s jails.
In recent years, there have been several instances of custodial deaths and allegations of torture in Manipur’s jails. In 2020, a 25-year-old man was found dead in a police lockup in Imphal East district, sparking widespread protests and demands for justice.
The state government has been criticized for its lack of accountability and transparency in handling custodial deaths and allegations of torture. The government has been accused of shielding police officials and other law enforcement agencies from accountability, which has led to a culture of impunity.
The custodial death of Sanajaoba has once again highlighted the need for urgent reforms in the state’s justice system. The government must take immediate steps to ensure that prisoners are treated with dignity and respect, and that allegations of torture and custodial deaths are investigated promptly and fairly.
The government must also take steps to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of custodial deaths. This includes ensuring that police officials and other law enforcement agencies are held accountable for their actions, and that families of victims are provided with adequate compensation and support.
In conclusion, the custodial death of Khoisnam Sanajaoba is a stark reminder of the need for urgent reforms in Manipur’s justice system. The government must take immediate steps to ensure that prisoners are treated with dignity and respect, and that allegations of torture and custodial deaths are investigated promptly and fairly. The people of Manipur demand justice and accountability, and it is the government’s duty to ensure that they receive it.
News Source:
https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-custodial-death-of-man-sparks-protest-in-imphal-east.html
