Imphal: The newly formed Joint Action Committee (JAC) has given the Manipur government 48 hours to investigate the suspicious death of a 15-year-old boarding student and arrest all suspects.

During a mass sit-in protest on Monday, the committee warned that it would launch statewide agitations if the demands were not met.

The student, who lived at the boarding facility of Brighter Academy in Nambol Oinam, was found hanging near the Kangbei Maril River by Oinam Bazar on November 7.

His family and the JAC alleged foul play, claiming that he had been physically assaulted and killed and that his death was made to look like suicide.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Heinoubok Loyalakpa Youth Club, the boy’s mother said the family had received reports that a female teacher had beaten him before he went missing. She said the family found signs of physical assault at the scene, including broken hands and legs.

She added that the family had sent him to the school trusting the administration’s assurances that he would receive a good education and have a bright future.

Thokchom Lamjingba Meitei, a JAC member and secretary of the Development and Protection United Voluntary Organisation, Nambol, confirmed the formation of the committee to seek justice for the student.

The JAC has also demanded compensation for the bereaved family and said it would submit a memorandum to the authorities. It warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to protests involving local clubs, Meira Paibi groups, civil society organisations and student bodies.

Residents of Nambol, Irengbam, Oinam and Leimaram Heinoubok held a mass sit-in protest at Heinoubok Mamang Leikai on November 9. Demonstrators carried placards demanding a fair investigation and expressing dissatisfaction with delays in the justice process.

JAC member L Premila Leima condemned the incident and alleged that negligence in schools and boarding houses in the region was increasing. She said the family would not claim the boy’s body until all its demands were met.

Meanwhile, the Bishnupur District Recognized Private School Association (BDRPSA) expressed condolences to the boy’s family, teachers and classmates in a statement and called for an impartial investigation based on evidence.

The association also condemned the alleged arson and destruction of school property before the official investigation was completed. It urged the district administration to work with the school to ensure the safety of the remaining students and allow classes to continue.