Imphal: A 48-hour statewide shutdown in Manipur called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) received a mixed response on its first day following the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old local youth.
The shutdown began early in the morning and led to widespread closures of educational institutions across the valley districts. Protesters burned tyres and blocked National Highway 102, disrupting traffic, particularly in Thoubal district.
The shutdown followed the death of Laishram Rakesh, a resident of Khangabok Mayai Leikai, who was hit by a stray bullet during a musical concert at CYSA Playground on October 18.
Protesters displayed placards demanding justice and the immediate arrest of everyone involved in the incident.
Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects. They also recovered two double-barrel breech-loading shotguns and 14 rounds of ammunition. The seized weapons will undergo forensic analysis as part of the investigation.
JAC representative Kh Santa submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation, four days after the killing.
Meanwhile, civil society groups, including the People’s Progressive Alliance Manipur, condemned the violence, offered condolences to the bereaved family and urged the state government to expedite legal action.