Imphal: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed over the alleged murder of Ngangkham Thambou (55) has launched a 72-hour blockade along Manipur’s Imphal–Yairipok road, demanding the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the fatal attack.
The blockade, which began at midnight on Thursday, is scheduled to conclude at midnight on July 27.
JAC Convenor Phijam Brojen stated that while the protest has received widespread support from residents, essential services, including healthcare, media, religious activities and emergency services, have been completely exempted.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at Keirao Wangkhem Mamang Leikai. Two unidentified assailants allegedly forced their way into Thambou’s residence at around 2:30 am.
When the 55-year-old confronted the intruders while trying to protect his children, he was shot dead on the spot.
The attackers also critically injured his 52-year-old wife, Ngangkham Keinatombi, by striking her with a sharp weapon.
She is currently undergoing advanced medical treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital.
Irilbung Police have registered a case and detained one suspect in connection with the assault on Thambou’s wife.
However, the JAC noted that a suspect in the primary murder investigation remains at large, prompting it to withhold claiming Thambou’s body from the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary until all culprits are apprehended.
The committee has appealed to the Chief Minister, the Home Minister and the local MLA to expedite the investigation, ensure justice and bring the perpetrators to account.