NEW DELHI: Protests continued across Manipur on Sunday following the arrest of leaders from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol. Demonstrators defied prohibitory orders and clashed with security forces, prompting the administration to impose curbs and suspend internet services in five districts of the Imphal valley. In response to the unrest, the state governor held a high-level security review meeting with top officials and legislators. Meanwhile, in related news, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday announced the arrest of three insurgents linked to a deadly attack on security forces in Moreh, located in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, on January 17, 2024. The attack had claimed the lives of two police commandos and left several others injured.In a statement, the NIA said it had arrested Thangminlen Mate, identified as a key planner from the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT) group, from Silchar in Assam on May 19. Two other individuals — Kamginthang Gangte of the Kuki National Army (KNA) and Hentinthang Kipgen, also known as Thangneo Kipgen, associated with the Village Volunteers group — were apprehended from Imphal on June 6.Also read: Protesters pour petrol over themselves after Meitei leader’s arrestHere’s what we know so far
What triggered unrest?
Protesters blocked roads by burning tyres and furniture at various locations including Uripok and Koirengei in Imphal West district, and Khurai in Imphal East. At Koirengei, agitators dug up roads and made heaps of soil to obstruct security forces.Similar protests were reported in Jiribam district, which borders Assam.Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN access, were suspended in these areas from Saturday night.The unrest began after the arrest of leaders from Arambai Tenggol. A BJP MLA, K Ibomcha, said five people were arrested, one of them by the CBI. The CBI said that the individual, allegedly involved in various criminal activities during the 2023 violence, was arrested at Imphal Airport and taken to Guwahati for court proceedings.Ibomcha, who represents the Lamlai constituency and was part of the delegation that met the governor, said, “During the meeting, we were informed that five people were arrested, and of them, one Kanan Singh, was arrested by the CBI in connection with a case. We appreciate the roles the Arambai Tenggol have taken during the recent flood.”A police officer said, “Violent protests broke out after the arrests of the leaders of Arambai Tenggol. Three people have been injured in the clash between the agitators and personnel. All preventive measures are in place.”In Imphal East and Bishnupur, people were ordered to remain indoors from 10 pm on Saturday until further notice under Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Similar measures were applied in Thoubal and Kakching.The internet suspension order by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar stated, “In view of prevailing law and order situation especially in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passion of the public which might have serious repercussions of law and order situation in the state.” The suspension will last for five days from 11.45 pm on Saturday.Legal action will be taken against anyone violating these orders, the statement added.
MLAs seek release of Meitei leaders
In light of the ongoing unrest, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a security review meeting with senior officials. Bhalla also met a delegation of 25 MLAs from both the BJP and Congress.“Today, a group of MLAs called on governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan during which the MLAs apprised the governor of the current law and order situation in the state and requested his intervention to help find an amicable solution,” the Raj Bhavan said.During the meeting, the leaders requested the governor to secure the release of the Arambai Tenggol member, pointing out that the arrest had triggered panic, especially after internet services were suspended in the five districts.“Five of our boys who belong to Arambai Tenggol have been arrested, after which the entire state has gone into a panic mode. There are bandhs and blockades in certain locations, and the internet has been shut down. We have requested the governor if the government wants to arrest anyone at such a juncture; they should clarify the reason to the public… Representatives of almost all the parties are here today,” Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar said.“Today, we have called upon the Governor regarding yesterday’s incident, urging him to release the arrested Arambai Tenggol leaders. The governor expressed that the government is not against Arambai Tenggol. They endorsed Arambai Tenggol’s services in the recent flood. Kanan Singh was arrested for a CBI case against him, and the other four were picked up as they were with him at the time. The government is verifying these four by the state police. Once they are cleared, they will be released accordingly,” said BJP MLA Kh Ibomcha.
Protesters torched tyres and old furniture
On Saturday, demonstrators had blocked roads in areas like Kwakeithel and Uripok by setting fire to tyres and discarded furniture. Protesters clashed with security forces at several locations in the state capital on June 7 night.In Khurai Lamlong, Imphal East, a mob set a bus on fire. Security personnel fired tear gas shells near Kangla Gate, which is about 200 metres from the Raj Bhavan, to disperse the crowd. Security has since been increased around the Raj Bhavan with additional deployment of central forces.Notably, more than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The state has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of chief minister N Biren Singh.
