In Manipur, it was mostly killings, attacks and boycotts in 09

Killings, kidnappings, militant attacks and boycotts were the order of the day throughout 2009 in Manipur but its pugilists boxed their way to success to bring in some cheer.

Killings, kidnappings, militant attacks and boycotts were the order of the day throughout 2009 in Manipur but its pugilists boxed their way to success to bring in some cheer to the trouble-torn state.

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The fast-unto-death by Irom Sharmila demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act remained in the news as the protest entered the 10th year.

Little-known boxer Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh won golds at the European Grand Prix and the Asian Championships. Four-time world champion Mary Kom was honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna -- the highest recognition in Indian sports.

2009 also witnessed the forcible closure of educational institutions in the state for more than three months, threatening academic careers of lakhs of students.

The prolonged tussle between Manipur government and major social organisation Apunba Lup following the killing of a youth by police commandos in an alleged encounter on July 23 prompted three students' bodies to boycott classes since September 9.

Soon after Sanjit was killed, Singh announced that the former militant was shot dead during an encounter with police. But a few days later, a New Delhi-based magazine published a series of photographs showing Sanjit was killed after allegedly being captured by police.