JCILPS claims it is investigating the case, JAC Taruni denies hand
IMPHAL, May 21: “Is father at the morgue? I heard that he is there,” eight-year-old Dharmendrajit asked his grandfather.
His father Okram Balendro, 43, son of Chaoyaima of Pishumthong Oinam Leikai lost his life in a tragic chase by hostile bandh supporters who pursued him in full aggression, pelting stones at him all the time, at Uripok Tourangbam Leikai yesterday at around 10 pm. In trying to evade his chasers, Balendro who was riding a two-wheeler met with an accident just some distance away. He died later in the night.
It may be mentioned that an indefinite strike was imposed by the JAC against the Brutal Assault of Tourangbam Tarini Devi by Manipur Police in the same area since May 18 last, conjoining with the ‘sintha-leppa’ 38-hours democratic protest called by the JCILPS.
Balendro, according to his family members had gone to purchase some fruits and flowers to offer Govindaji for his daughter’s birthday the next day. He had mentioned in his last telephonic conversation with his mother that he was stuck at a friend’s place at Uripok area because of the bandh but his mother urged him to return as it was getting late.
Balendro, the eldest of three siblings, a small time contractor was looking after some construction works at RIMS .
“I came to know of his condition after a phone call from the police. I have nothing to say against the ILP agitation but I have lost a son and I amd the rest of the family are pained. This chaos in the State is very unfortunate.” Chaoyaima told reporters during the final rites of Balendro. He added that his son was brought treatment to a hospital by some youths from Uripok area.
Complaints were raised in the manner of his treatment, as the CT machine was out of order at RIMS where Balendro was admitted first. He was later referred to Sky Hospital and later again to Shija Hospitals, where he was denied admission after being classified as ‘brought dead’.
A media team sought clarification from the JCILPS regarding the death of Okram Balendro at their office located at Sega Road. Convener of JCILPS, S Ratan stated that he had inquired about the incident from people in the locality where he met with the accident and he is still unclear about what actually transpired.
“We are investigating the matter” came the reply from Ratan. He mentioned that JCILPS has not enforced any violent form of protest but had only asked the public to conduct democratic form of agitations, although the experiences during the 38-hr cease work strike was nothing but contradictory.
The Uripok JAC has in the meantime clarified that they have nothing to do with the incident and they had just facilitated the transportation of Balendro to RIMS Hospital.
Meanwhile some photos on the social media, showing a person tryuing to remove the necklace worn by Balendro caused concern. It has however been confirmed that the necklace is not of gold but religious wooden beads (urik).
The method of protest by some ILP agitators have come under public scanner. Many allege bandh supportes are often in inebriated states, harassing the public rather than simply observing ‘sintha leppa’ cease work agitation called by the JCILPS.
It may be mentioned that some protestors had harassed a team of journalists led by AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai at Khurai area yesterday, despite the JCILPS stating that essential services including media would be exempted.