Manipur strike shuts roads as police seize weapon in Thoubal killing case

Imphal: A 48-hour general strike paralyzed Manipur starting at 5 am on October 23. A Joint Action Committee called the shutdown following the death of Laishram Rakesh, who suffered a fatal bullet wound on October 18. The incident occurred at Palli Bazar, situated between Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham under the Thoubal Police Station jurisdiction.

Protesters gathered on National Highway 102, also called the Imphal-Moreh Road, to block traffic and burn tires. Organizers exempted medical services, media personnel, and religious activities from the blockade. Thoubal District Police remain on high alert. The movement demands swift arrests for the killing.

JAC member Kh. Santa expressed frustration over the lack of progress. "Four days had passed since Rakesh's death, but those responsible had not been arrested despite daily sit-in protests demanding action," he said. The committee submitted a formal memorandum to the Chief Minister on Thursday.

Meanwhile, law enforcement made progress in the criminal investigation. Police arrested a third suspect on October 22 and secured a 10-day remand to question the individual. During a search operation on October 23 in the Khangabok-Sangaiyumpham area, officers found one double-barrel breech-loading gun along with 14 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition. Officials sent the weapon for forensic testing to support the ongoing case.