19 hrs bandh brings normal life to complete halt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 09 2019: All normal activities in the State came to a grinding halt today on account of the 19 hours Statewide bandh called by the JAC Against the Mysterious Death of Ningthoujam Babysana Chanu since 5 am today.

The JAC called the bandh demanding the Government to come out with a convincing clarification regarding the post mortem reports which claimed that the death of Babysana was a case of suicide, and also to establish the facts and circumstances leading to the death of the minor student.

Large number of people came out and blocked roads/streets and staged protest demonstrations at different places.

19 hrs bandh brings normal life to complete halt

All National highways and inter-district roads passing through the State capital wore completely deserted looks during the bandh hours.

Except for a few light vehicles on emergency and religious services, all types of vehicles stayed off the road.

Khwairamband Keithel and all market places located at Imphal and greater Imphal areas were shut.

Attendance at Government offices was quite sparse.

On the other hand, a large number of security personnel were deployed and stringent security measures were taken up at different places including Thangmeiband area so as to avert any untoward incident.

Police dispersed a meira rally late in the evening today at about 9 pm at Lamphel Sanakeithel in Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency.

In the police crackdown five persons including four women and one man were injured and they were evacuated to RIMS hospital.

Imphal-Mao highway was blocked at Chingmeirong, Khabam Lamkhai and Khonghampat.

Local Meira Paibis also blocked Dingku Road which connects Khongnang Ani Karak with Lamlong.

Khurai Tinsid Road was also blocked at different places.

Meira Paibis of Moirangkampu and Top Khongnangkhong staged sit-in-protest at Khewa bridge.

Likewise, Uripok-Kangchup road was blocked at Naoremthong, Takyel Khongbal and Langjing.

Protest demonstrations were also staged at Tera Loukrakpam Leikai, Patsoi, Langjing Achouba etc.

Imphal-Moreh highway was blocked throughout the Singjamei stretch while Imphal-Ukhrul road was closed at Lamlong Keithel and adjoining areas.

Imphal-Moreh highway was blocked at Singjamei Chingamathak, Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai, Singjamei Waikhom Leikai and Kakwa.

While a protest demonstration was staged at Chingamakha Maibam Leikai Bokul Makhong, Liwa Lambi was also blocked at different points.

Imphal-Ukhrul road was blocked at Yaingangpokpi Bazar, Itham Nungoi and Lamlai.

Imphal-Yairipok road was also blocked at different points while a protest demonstration was staged at Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai.

Students of Advanced Learners' School, Heirok also staged a sit-in demanding justice to the mysterious death of Babysana.

Volunteers of the Students Union Kangleipak (SUK) joined the extensive protest at Mayang Imphal together with local Meira Paibis.

Along Mayai Lambi, protest demonstration were staged at Keishamthong Thangjam Leirak, Khagempalli etc.

Another protest demonstration demanding justice to the mysterious death of Babysana was also staged at Heingang Panthoibi Lampak.

Supporting the bandh called by the JAC, protest demonstrations were staged at Langthabal Phuramakhong and the Hiyangthang road too was also blocked.

Local Meira Paibis of Kongpal Kshetri Leikai, Kongpal Chanam Leikai and Porompat (Muslim) too staged protest demonstration.

A similar protest demonstration was also staged at Singjamei Bheigyabati Leikai.

Meanwhile, Meira Paibis of Langthabal Kunja Mayai Leikai staged a sit-in-protest at the locality today condemning the mysterious death of Ningthoujam Babysana inside Standard Robarth Higher Secondary School.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the protest, local Meira Paibi president Sagolsem Subasini decried that there has been no positive action from the side of the State Government and the authorities concerned even though it has been 23 days since the student was found dead.