Fresh violence erupted in Manipur on Saturday night, triggered by reports of the arrest of a leader from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol. This group gained notoriety following ethnic clashes between the non-tribal Meitei community and the tribal Kuki-Zo groups in May 2023. In response to the escalating violence, authorities imposed a curfew and suspended internet services across several districts in the northeastern state.
Protesters clashed with security forces, surrounded the entrance to the airport, and set fire to tyres and old furniture on the roads. This unrest prompted the government to issue prohibitory orders and cut off internet access in five districts of the Imphal valley to curb the situation.
The Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they described as “insensitivity” towards the plight of the people in Manipur, deeming the situation “truly shocking.”
In a related development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested three insurgents linked to a deadly attack on an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) post and security forces in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, on January 17, 2024. This attack resulted in the deaths of two police commandos and left several others injured.
According to reports, protests began on June 7 in response to the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol leader. Demonstrators, demanding the release of the arrested leader and others, set fire to vehicles and furniture in Kwakeithel and Uripok. A mob also ignited a bus at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East. Official sources have yet to disclose the name of the arrested individual or the charges against him.
Gunshots were reportedly fired in Kwakeithel, though it remains unclear who was responsible. Some members of Arambai Tenggol attempted self-immolation by dousing themselves in petrol as a symbolic protest against the arrest.
Protesters also surrounded the Imphal airport gate at Tulihal, blocking roads to prevent the possibility of moving the arrested leader out of state. Additional security forces have been deployed to manage unrest, and security was heightened along routes leading to the Raj Bhavan. In front of Kangla Gate, approximately 200 meters from the Raj Bhavan, security personnel fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
As a result of these events, prohibitory measures have been implemented in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, have been suspended for five days starting from 11:45 PM on Saturday.
Gatherings of five or more individuals and the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms, or sharp weapons are prohibited in Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. In Imphal East and Bishnupur, residents are restricted from leaving their homes starting from 10 PM until further notice.
The district magistrate of Imphal West stated that the local police reported serious disturbances affecting peace and public tranquility, posing grave dangers to lives and property due to unlawful activities. Meanwhile, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar issued an order suspending internet services, expressing concerns that anti-social elements might exploit social media to incite public emotions and disrupt law and order, particularly in the vulnerable districts.
In a viral video, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba was reportedly seen conversing with security personnel, emphasizing the challenges of restoring peace in the current climate and suggesting that authorities should also arrest him alongside the detained MLA to ensure fairness.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/news/india/manipur-unrest-meitei-arambai-tenggol-leader-arrest-sparks-violence-curfew-clamped-internet-suspended-top-points-1778284
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Publish Date: 2025-06-08 16:40:00
