Imphal, February 17: Taking strong exception against the killing of Soram Rojit s/o Kamini of Kangpokpi by Imphal East commandos on February 15 at Hatta Golapati, a protest was staged today at Kangpokpi Bazar.

Moreover, the JAC constituted in connection with the killing has threatened to call a 48 hours State wide bandh with effect from February 19 midnight in case no understanding is reached with the Government by tomorrow.

Born at Kangpokpi, Rojit got married in December last year.

He was studying in class XII at Kangpokpi Elite School.

He was eliminated by commandos while visiting Imphal on the false charge of being a UG cadre, asserted the JAC president Haokholun Guite.

The protest sitting staged at Kangpokpi Bazar and Kangpokpi-IT road junction was participated by a large number of people belonging to different communities.

The protesters besides holding several placards denouncing the killing also shouted slogans like, "Punish the commandos involved in killing innocent civilian".

During the protest, market sheds and shops in and around Kangpokpi Bazar were closed.

Even though there was no disturbance to the traffic along NH-39, all commercial activities were halted during the waakat meepham.

Speaking to media persons by the sideline of the protest sitting, JAC president Haokholun Guite strongly contended that Rojit was an innocent civilian and dismissed the police allegations as baseless.

He further demanded that the State Government should give a concrete assurance to avoid such unwarranted killings in future by tomorrow.

The JAC also demanded ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to the family of the deceased and a suitable job for Rojit's wife.

In case the Government refuses to fulfil the demands, a 48 hour State wide bandh will be imposed with effect from February 19 midnight.

The JAC also sought cooperation from all civil organisations towards the protest movements.

The Kangpokpi Women's Welfare Association while condemning the killing of Rojit has pledged unstinted support to the JAC in all its movements.