Imphal, April 25 2009: Demanding punishment of the Police Commandos involved in killing innocent civilian, a 24-hour general strike has been called in Thoubal district with effect from 5 am tomorrow.

The bandh has been called by the JAC constituted in connection with the killing of Elangbam Kiranjit (26) s/o Ibohal of Thoubal Haokha Mamang Leikai by a combined force of Thoubal District Police Commandos and personnel of 23 Assam Rifles near Laikotching in Imphal East District yesterday morning.

Police claimed that Kiranjit was a suspected cadre of KCP (MC) and he was killed during an encounter although the family members have rejected it.

According to the family members, Kiranjit had gone out from home at around 3.30 pm of April 23 to search for a missing cow and he had been picked up by the Thoubal Police Commandos from near Thoubal Khunou Chingya Heibiyai.

But he was found shot dead at Sawombung Khok.

Prior to announcement of the bandh call, a group of agitated local residents in two buses and one truck came to meet the Chief Minister.

However, they were stopped by the police near the petrol pump at Yaiskul leading to a brief confrontation.

Afterward, some representatives of the JAC were allowed to go and meet the Chief Minister to who they submitted a memorandum highlighting its demands.

During the meeting with the Chief Minister, no agreement had been reached on the demands of the JAC which include punishment of the Police Commandos involved in the killing of Kiranjit, resignation of Chief Minister from the post of Home Minister if the life of the people could not be protected and not to accept killing of innocent civilian and later dubbing them as UG suspects.

In case of failing to meet the demands by tonight, the memorandum had also made it clear a 24-hour general strike would be called in Thoubal district with effect from 5 am tomorrow apart from taking recourse to various intense agitation with the support of other social organisations.