JAC demands arrests over viral video after Class IX student’s death in Manipur

Locals suspect that the minor may have been forced to take the step after a video clip of her—allegedly recorded and shared without her knowledge—went viral on social media

Imphal: A Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed after the death of a Class IX student in Manipur’s Bishnupur district—allegedly driven by cyberbullying—on Saturday demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for circulating a video clip of the minor.

The 14-year-old girl was found dead inside her home on Friday morning, police said. (Representative Photo)

The committee, which staged a sit-in protest at Keipha Keithel in Thamnapokpi Bazar from 11 am to 2 pm, has warned of intensified agitation if action is not taken by Monday. “We demand the government to book the culprit by August 25. If not, the JAC will start stronger agitation,” a member said.

The 14-year-old girl was found dead inside her home on Friday morning, police said, adding that she was found hanging while her mother was out for fieldwork and her father was not at home.

Locals suspect that the minor may have been forced to take the step after a video clip of her—allegedly recorded and shared without her knowledge—went viral on social media.

The Moirang police have registered a case. The body was taken to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) mortuary, where a postmortem was carried out in the presence of a magistrate, with the entire procedure video recorded.

The JAC and protesters, with placards reading “Stop cyber harassment”, “Save our students”, “Punish the guilty”, and “Protect the innocent”, have warned that if the accused are not booked promptly, stronger forms of protest will follow.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000; ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290