Overview

• Khoisnam Sanajaoba, a 27-year-old arrested on March 31 for alleged links to a banned group, died in custody on April 13 under unclear circumstances.
• A Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed after his death organized a statewide 24-hour bandh on April 24–25, demanding an impartial and time-bound investigation.
• The bandh shut down markets, schools, and public transport in Imphal East and West districts, with protesters enforcing roadblocks and burning tires in Khurai constituency.
• The Manipur government imposed prohibitory orders and increased security during the bandh but has not responded to the JAC’s demands or allegations of custodial torture.
• Manipur remains under President’s rule following ethnic violence since May 2023, with activists framing Sanajaoba's death as indicative of systemic human rights violations.