Relay hunger strike

    19-Aug-2019
IMPHAL, Aug 19: 10 womenfolk began a relay hunger strike at Thangmeiband Meisnam Leikai today, condemning the mysterious death of Ningthoujam Babysana and demanding the Government to deliver justice at the earliest.
Ten other women will take their place and continue the hunger strike tomorrow.
Speaking to media persons, Ema Khunthokhanbi Meira Paibi president M Ibeyaima strongly condemned the Government for turning against the people instead of trying to solve the case.
There are 36 students inside the boarding where Babysana was found dead and it is impossible to believe that none of the inmates saw or heard anything out of the ordinary on that fateful day, she alleged.
If there was no suspicion of foul play, then the people would not have launched such a huge protest, she claimed, condemning the alleged attempt of the State Government to protect the Principal of the school concerned, completely disregarding the sentiments of the people.
Instead of showing brute force to the people, solve the case, she demanded.
Stating that the womenfolk will continue the relay hunger strike until and unless justice is delivered, Ibeyaima lamented that today morning, when the womenfolk tried to organise the relay hunger strike protest at the waiting shed opposite THAU ground, police prevented them from doing so.
The police personnel followed the protesters wherever they went, in a bid to foil any attempt to organise the protest, she claimed, explaining that after the police prevented the protesters from organising the hunger strike, they shifted the venue to Thangmeiband Meisnam Leikai, opposite DM College.
The womenfolk who took part in the relay hunger strike today are Thongbam (O) Thagoisana, L Bimola, L Pramo, M Ibeyaima, Ng Sarodhini, A Angabala, N Mema, A Sanahanbi, T Sumati and M Nanao.
On the other hand, students and teachers of Savio English Higher Secondary School, Thangmeiband, staged a sit in protest in front of the school gate today demanding justice for N Babysana.
Speaking to media persons, one of the students said that  it is immensely disappointing that the mysterious death of a student inside a school hostel is being neglected and not taken seriously by the authorities.
If the authorities fail to solve this case, similar incidents might happen in the future, the student said and further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the JAC members who were arrested by police.
The school students carried placards with slogans like 'We want justice', 'Justice for innocent student', 'Justice for Babysana', 'We condemn Babysana's murder' etc.
SWC and Meira Paibis organised similar sit in protest at Khongman, Imphal East today.
Sit in protest was also organised at Kameng Mayai Leikai under the aegis of Khunai Kanba Nupi Lup.