Fresh violence and heightened tensions have gripped several valley districts of Manipur, leading to the imposition of a curfew and suspension of internet services in many areas. The unrest erupted on Saturday night following reports of the arrest of a leader and a few other members of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol.
The protesters torched tyres and old furniture in the middle of the roads, gheraoed the airport entrance, and clashed with security forces, demanding the release of the leader. Some of them even attempted self-immolation in Imphal. The situation remained tense on Sunday.
Manipur Unrest
- Fresh violence erupted after reports claimed the arrest of a leader from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol.
- While police did not disclose the identity of the arrested individual or the charges against him, reports suggested that the leader is Kanan Singh.
- Protesters clashed with security forces at multiple locations across the state capital on Saturday night.
- In Imphal East district’s Khurai Lamlong area, an enraged mob set a bus on fire.
- At Kwakeithel, several gunshots were heard, though it remains unclear who fired them.
- Demonstrators also gathered outside the Imphal airport gate at Tulihal, following unconfirmed reports that the arrested leader was to be flown out of the state.
- Protesters blocked the airport road, even sleeping on it overnight, in a bid to stop any attempt to move the leader out of Manipur.
- Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the agitated crowd.
- One casualty has been reported, allegedly due to a lathi charge by the forces.
- Additional personnel have been deployed in the restive areas to bring the situation under control, and security has been enhanced along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan.
A curfew has been imposed in Bishnupur district, while prohibitory orders restricting the assembly of five or more people have been enforced in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching.
Internet services have been suspended for five days in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, as police anticipate attempts to incite violence online.
A viral video purportedly shows BJP Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on the street speaking to security personnel. “We tried very hard to bring peace. If you do such things, how will peace prevail? Arrest me along with the MLA I’m here with,” he is heard saying in the video.
Arambai Tenggol has announced a ten-day total shutdown in the valley districts starting today, as it prepares to intensify its protest. The Meitei organisation, which began as a cultural revivalist group, has since evolved into a controversial militia-like force involved in the ongoing ethnic violence. The group had recently held discussions with the Governor and also surrendered some of its arms.
Security forces have been carrying out search operations and arrests in Manipur since ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities erupted two years ago. On Saturday, they arrested three militants linked to two banned outfits, and recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Tengnoupal district.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had in February imposed the President’s rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.
(With inputs from agencies)
Published By: Ajmal Published On: Jun 8, 2025
Source: India Today.
