Solidarity pours in as JFSA bandh starts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 26 2021:
Many local clubs, student bodies, civil and political organisations have joined hands with Justice for Sanaton Athokpam for the 24 hour Manipur shutdown on 5 point-demand to ensure justice and fair legal proceedings.
The shutdown kicked off this evening at 6 and will go on till 6 pm tomorrow.
The JAC (Justice For Sanaton Athokpam) has demanded the State Government to immediately lodge an FIR as requested on the very day Sanaton was found dead at RIMS Casualty with his hands tied at the back (March 15) .
It also demanded immediate arrest of the Warden of the hostel where Sanaton was lodged and to conduct a thorough interrogation.
The JAC, thirdly, urged the State Government to suspend 'irresponsible' Director of RIMS and Dean (Academics).
Justice For Sanaton Athokpam also urged to expedite the slow-paced Magisterial Enquiry and share reports and other related documents with the family members without delay and announcement of befitting punishment to the 'culprit/s' .
A press release issued by Justice for Sanaton Athokpam in this regard also expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support from various organisation towards their cause.
The JAC in the meantime stated that the shutdown will not obstruct movements of those engaged in health services, press/media, power supply, water supply, religious functions, fire service and other essential services.
The organisations which extended physical and moral support to the Justice for Sanaton Athokpam in seeking justice are the United Front Manipur, Citizens' Club (Soibam Leikai), Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL), All Manipur Nupi Marup, Kanglei Ima Lup (KIL), Advance Women Society (Awang Sekmai), Nongpok Leimarol Meira Paibee Apunba Lup, Manipur State Committee Democratic Bharatiya Samaj Party etc.
The Kanglei Ima Lup, while extending support to the shutdown, berated the inaction of the State Government.
AMKIL too denounced the inordinate delay in providing justice to the family members.
The Manipur State Committee Democratic Bharatiya Samaj Party also expressed strong suspicion of foul play considering the circumstances in which Sanaton was found dead and decried laxity in the proceedings of the case.
The Citizens' Club too resented the way the case is handled and added it fully endorses the demands raised by the Justice For Sanaton Athokpam.
The United Front, Manipur in the meantime charged that it was Government's weakness that no breakthrough is achieved even after 41 days the student was found dead in his hostel room.
Six student bodies viz- AMSU, MSF, KSA, SUK, DESAM and AIMS have also pledged to extend all forms of support to ensure justice is delivered.
During a press meet convened at the office of AIMS at Kwakeithel today, the president of AIMS, Saikhom Premchand affirmed the support of the six student bodies to the Justice For Sanaton Athokpam.
Unfortunately, the authorities concerned are unable to break the ice and make progress in the case to date, he said while adding that the six bodies will fully support the 24-hour shutdown called by the Justice For Sanaton Athokpam.
AMSU's vice president, Laishram Athouba, in the meantime expressed strong suspicion of foul play over sealing of Room No C 15 of Hostel No 3 of RIMS on March 26, eleven days after the death.
Delay in sealing the room, report of recovery of mobile phone and other malicious articles that can tarnish the image of the late student in the following days is highly suspicious, he continued.
The six student bodies feel that shutdown is the result of lack of interest on the part of the State Government, he continued.
The student bodies also appealed all to support the shut down responsibly and not to disrupt media personnel, religious ceremonies and those providing health and other essential services.
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