Authorities in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur have imposed a curfew and suspended internet services in several districts after fresh violence broke out over the arrest of leaders from Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical group.
Police detained five top leaders of Arambai Tenggol, including the group's chief Asem Kanan Singh, at Imphal Airport. India’s premier investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), stated that Singh was arrested for his alleged role in “various criminal activities” linked to the ethnic violence that has plagued the state since 2023.
Manipur has seen persistent ethnic clashes since last year, primarily between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, driven by disputes over land rights and political influence. The violence has claimed over 250 lives and displaced tens of thousands of residents.
Although Arambai Tenggol describes itself as a social organisation, it is widely believed to command considerable support within the Meitei community and has been linked to multiple violent incidents. The group wields significant influence in Manipur’s sociopolitical landscape. The latest unrest began on 7 June, when the CBI arrested Singh and four other leaders of Arambai Tenggol. Due to the ongoing volatile situation in the state, authorities moved the trial of these cases from Manipur to Guwahati, in the neighbouring state of Assam.
Following the arrests, widespread protests erupted across Imphal, the state capital. Demonstrators demanding the release of the group’s leaders stormed a police outpost, torched a bus, and blocked roads. Clashes with security personnel were also reported. According to The Hindustan Times, a 13-year-old boy was injured after forces used tear gas and live rounds to control the crowds. State legislator Okram Surjakumar expressed concern over the arrests, stating that they had thrown the state into further turmoil.
In response, the Manipur government imposed an indefinite curfew in one district and suspended mobile internet and data services in five districts for five days. Authorities have also banned the gathering of four or more people in some areas to prevent escalation.
Meanwhile, Arambai Tenggol has called for a 10-day shutdown in parts of the state, beginning Saturday night, further adding to the state’s instability. Opposition leaders have strongly criticised the federal government’s handling of the situation. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi questioned the central government’s inaction and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neglecting the crisis.
“It is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to ensure peace and security for the citizens of the country. To step back from this is to turn away from one’s duty,” Gandhi wrote on social media platform X.
Earlier this year, in the face of mounting criticism, the Indian government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur following the resignation of the Chief Minister. Despite the severity of the conflict, Modi has yet to visit the state since violence erupted in 2023. On Sunday, a multi-party delegation of state legislators met with the Governor of Manipur, urging the administration to release the arrested Arambai Tenggol leaders after completing police questioning.
BJP MLA Kh Ibomcha, a member of the delegation, confirmed that this request was made during the meeting. As tensions remain high and communication lines are cut in key regions, residents of Manipur continue to grapple with fear, uncertainty, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Also Read: Manipur unrest: Vehicles torched, curfew clamped in 5 districts
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