Protests against Dr Kunjabihari's murder intensify 48 hrs bandh called, van burnt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 14, 2011: With the Government of Manipur not failing to give any response to the demands put forward before the Chief Minister on January 12, the JAC against the brutal killing of Dr N Kunjabihari Singh, Chairman of BOSEM has gone ahead and imposed the proposed National Highway 39 blockade with effect from 6.30 pm today till 6.30 pm of January 16. Soon after the bandh came into force at 6.30 pm a Maruti van was set ablazed by suspected bandh supporters at about 7.10 pm, near Naorem Leikai Laishram Leirak along NH-39.Announcing this in a statement, JAC convenor N Suraj Singh warned that more intense agitation would be launched in co-operation with other civil organisations in case the Govt does not come out with a definite response even after the bandh.

Suraj said that JAC understand the difficulties that frequent imposition of bandh and blockade cause to the people.

But killing of BOSEM Chairman, who had been taking great responsibility in moulding the career of students, in his own office room, is a threat to the future of not only the student community but also the society.

On top of this, Dr Kunjabihari was a simple man/teacher who had a great passion for students.

The JAC has therefore no option but to take this extreme step, Suraj said, while seeking the support of all the people and urging them to contribute their mite in saving the society.

Religious function and medical would be exempted from the purview of the agitation, the JAC said, while calling upon the people to support the bandh in a democratic manner and restrain themselves from any violent act.

The burnt Maruti van

Van set ablaze : Soon after the 24 hours bandh called by the JAC constituted against the murder of BSEM Chairman N Kunjabihari came into force, a Maruti van was set ablazed by suspected bandh supporters at about 7.10 pm.

The 24 hours bandh was called demanding punishment of the killers and it was enforced since 6.30 pm today.

The van was set ablazed near Naorem Leikai Laishram Leirak along NH-39 just about 500 metres away from Singjamei police station.

As the passengers and driver of the van fled from the scene to save themselves, the owner of the vehicle could not be ascertained.

The registration plate of the vehicle has also been completely consumed by the fire.

With the seats of the van completely reduced to cinders, the engine of the vehicle was also severely damaged by the fire.

However, the van was saved from complete destruction with the arrival of two fire tenders.

Moreover, fire tenders have been station at Kakwa and Canchipur along NH 39 to control acts of arson.

Singjamei Police have picked up the ravaged van and taken it to their complex.

On the other hand, students of schools located between Singjamei and Lilong staged protest sittings denouncing the killing of BSEM Chairman N Kunjabihari today.

Meanwhile, decrying the killing of Chairman of Board of Secondary Education, Manipur Naorem Kunjabihari, students of various schools staged protest demonstration today.

Students of private schools located in between Singjamei and Canchipur demonstrated in front of their respective school gates along the National Highway 39. Students of Eastern Janitor School, Sika Higher Secondary School, Standard Roberth Higher Secondary School, Little Rose Higher Secondary School, Canchi Academy, Imphal Public School, US Academy and ISHOR participated in the protest demonstration.