The Jain Book Store was a more staid establishment which mostly dealt in textbooks for schools and colleges. [...] As usual, when he saw my jeep, Mr Jain would come over to the street to welcome me in. Although onlookers would attribute that deference to the large sign on the bumper of the vehicle which proclaimed ‘SDO, IMPHAL WEST’, it was more due to the fact that Mr Jain put me in the select category of those who truly appreciated books.

Students and supporters hold placards and candles during a protest in New Delhi against student Nido Taniam’s death. Pic/AFP