Imphal: The 48 hours state wide Bandh called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against the brutal killing of Takhellambam Manoranjan Singh has greatly affected the lives and economy of the already ethnic violence torn state, mainly the valley area of the state.

Manoranjan, a married man from Thiyam Konjin Samanjing in Imphal East, who served as a village volunteer at Kangchup in Imphal West was brutally killed by armed gunmen on 18, January, 2023 at Kangchup Hill, Imphal West bordering Kangpokpi district(Kuki dominated district).

The 48 hours bandh from 5 am, Saturday, 20 Jan, was called by the JAC after Manipur government failed to fulfill their demands of replacing Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh with Chief Minister taking over the charge; abrogation of SoO with Kuki militants; to give power to State force and to remove central forces citing their ineffectiveness in controlling armed miscreant in periphery areas bordering hill districts (mainly Kuki-Chin-Zo populated ones).  The JAC on 18 Jan, had submitted the demands to Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and urged him to fulfill their demand within 24 hours.

During the bandh, all major business establishments in the valley remained shut. Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar and Ima Market (the only three women’s markets) , the biggest business transaction hub in Imphal city, were closed.

Educational institutions, private offices, banks, petrol pumps and other commercial establishments stayed out of business. Roads wore deserted looks, few vehicles and those of security forces, emergency ones were seen plying on the road. However, government offices remained open as usual and carried out their routine duties.

Besides Imphal West and Imphal East districts, the bandh has its effect in other valley districts namely Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching. All major commercial hubs in the districts remained closed. Low attendance of government officials were reported in all the valley district headquarters.

Bandh supporters came out on roads and highways and blocked roads using wood logs and people physically blocking vehicles movement. But movement of essential services and religious ceremonies were allowed.

During the bandh combined security forces and RAF personnel were deployed at several locations to prevent any untoward incident.

The JAC against the brutal killing of Takhellambam Manoranjan Singh is yet to claim the body of Manoranjan as their demand is not fulfilled and his body is currently kept at the mortuary of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal East.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Saturday has assured the Joint Action Committee formed against the killing of 4 farmers by armed gunmen at Ningthoukhong in Bishnupur district bordering Kangpokpi that the case will be handed to NIA or CBI soon.

The Manipur CM gave the assurance to the JAC members while meeting them at his bungalow in Imphal. During the meeting, the CM also assured the JAC members that the State Force will be deployed to Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou village instead of the current central forces deployed there.

Members of the JAC said that as per the assurance of the CM, the committee have decided to allow carry forward with the postmortem, however, they will not claim the bodies until the assurances are met.