Manipur Crisis: Outrage Erupts as Asem Kanan’s CBI Arrest Sparks 10-Day Shutdown and Internet Blackout

Tensions surged across the valley districts of Manipur on Sunday following the arrest of Asem Kanan, a member of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Guwahati. CBI officials stated that Kanan was apprehended at Imphal airport and is implicated in various criminal activities linked to the violent incidents that occurred in Manipur in 2023. His family has been notified of the arrest. The CBI, responding to directives from the Supreme Court of India, is currently investigating multiple cases related to the 2023 violence, leading to a shift of trial locations from Manipur to Guwahati.

While police officials indicated that Kanan was arrested alongside four other Arambai Tenggol members, the CBI confirmed only Kanan’s arrest, which has raised tensions. Following the news, violent protests erupted in Imphal, with demonstrators blocking major roads using burning tires and debris. Security forces deployed tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds, resulting in injuries, including a serious leg injury to a 13-year-old boy. Reports suggest that at least 11 individuals have been injured in the unrest, with the situation worsening as the day progressed.

In response to the escalating chaos, security personnel have been stationed at critical points throughout Imphal, such as the Palace Compound and Keishampat Bridge. In a move to contain the unrest, internet services have also been suspended across the valley districts until further notice.

The Arambai Tenggol group announced a 10-day statewide shutdown on Saturday, demanding the unconditional release of the arrested volunteers. Women’s groups from Khurai added pressure by demanding that all MLAs currently outside of Manipur return to Imphal and form a new government by a specific deadline, warning that those who fail to comply will not be allowed to re-enter the state.

In light of the rising tensions, a diverse delegation of over 25 legislators, alongside Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to seek his urgent intervention. The multi-party group, which included members from the BJP, NPP, and Congress, urged the Governor to facilitate the unconditional release of the detained Arambai Tenggol members. A statement from the Raj Bhavan indicated that Governor Bhalla assured the delegation that all necessary measures were being implemented to restore normalcy.

BJP MLA and spokesperson L. Ibomcha clarified that although Kanan’s arrest was linked to a personal case, he expressed support for the Arambai Tenggol group’s role in aiding flood relief efforts. In contrast, Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar emphasized the unrest following the arrests, highlighting curfews, internet suspensions, and blockades across various locations. He called for transparency and unity to restore peace within the state.

Governor Bhalla also chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the ongoing situation. An official statement released via the Raj Bhavan’s social media indicated that senior officials discussed the law-and-order situation, emphasizing coordinated measures necessary to ensure stability in Manipur.

As the situation remains fluid, all eyes are on Manipur, where the community struggles to navigate the complexities of governance, justice, and public safety. The ongoing unrest reflects the deep-rooted issues that continue to affect the region and challenges the state’s ability to maintain order and peace.

Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/manipur-crisis-asem-kanans-cbi-arrest-sparks-outrage-meitei-group-declares-10-day-shutdown-internet-suspended-11749401832071.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-08 22:35:00