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A day after violent protests erupted across Manipur over the arrest of a leader from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, the situation remained volatile on Sunday. In response, the administration imposed prohibitory orders in five districts of the Imphal valley and suspended internet services in parts of the conflict-hit northeastern state, according to police officials.

The protests turned dramatic and emotional as members of Arambai Tenggol poured petrol over themselves in symbolic acts of protest against the arrest. As a precautionary step, authorities clamped prohibitory orders in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. Additionally, internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, were suspended in these areas to curb the spread of unrest and misinformation.

Protesters set tyres and old furniture ablaze on roads in Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the immediate release of the detained leader. Clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in several parts of Imphal on Saturday night. In one incident, a mob set fire to a bus in Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district.

#WATCH | Manipur: Latest visuals from East and West Imphal showing the aftermath of overnight violence that erupted in five districts of the state.

The assembly of four or more persons has been restricted in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Kakching districts. A total… pic.twitter.com/x7mmYMurWB

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2025

Security presence has been intensified, especially on roads leading to the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, with additional central forces deployed. An official order from the District Magistrate of Imphal West cited reports of serious threats to peace and public safety. It stated that the Superintendent of Police had reported unlawful activities, riots, and threats to life and property caused by anti-social elements. Consequently, under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), assembly of five or more people and the carrying of weapons or potentially harmful objects have been banned.

In Imphal East, residents were prohibited from leaving their homes from 10 PM on Saturday until further notice under Section 163(1) of the BNSS. “Violent protests broke out following the arrest of the Arambai Tenggol leader. All preventive measures are currently in place,” a police officer confirmed.

#WATCH | Manipur: Latest visuals from East and West Imphal showing the aftermath of overnight violence that erupted in five districts of the state.

The assembly of four or more persons has been restricted in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Kakching districts. A total… pic.twitter.com/E2K20c9iZF

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2025

In Kwakeithel, residents reported hearing several gunshots, though it remains unclear who fired them. Meanwhile, protesters surrounded the Imphal airport gate at Tulihal, blocking the airport road to prevent any potential attempt to move the arrested leader out of the state.

 

Political response: Congress targets Centre over inaction

 

As the violence spread, the Congress Party on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what it called his “insensitivity” to the ongoing suffering in Manipur. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on social media platform X, said the pain and turmoil of Manipur’s people remain unaddressed. He noted that five valley districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur — have witnessed violent protests in the last 24 hours.

Ramesh recalled that in February 2022, the BJP managed to secure a majority in the state assembly elections. However, by May 3, 2023, the state was in flames, he said — hundreds of innocent people were killed, thousands displaced, and places of worship destroyed. He pointed out that on June 4, 2023, the Union Government had set up a three-member Commission of Inquiry, which has since received multiple extensions. Its current deadline is November 20.

Manipur | In view of the prevailing law and order situation, internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, have been suspended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts of Manipur for 5 days with effect from 11.45 PM, June 7 pic.twitter.com/L95SoHjXOf

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2025

Further, he cited an observation made by the Supreme Court on August 1, 2023, which stated that Manipur had experienced a “total breakdown of constitutional machinery” for at least two months. Despite visits by the Union Home Minister, Ramesh criticized the Prime Minister for his persistent silence and inaction. “The PM refused to say anything or meet any delegation from the state,” he wrote.

The Congress had demanded President’s Rule, which was not initially heeded. However, ahead of a no-confidence motion planned for February 10, 2025, the Chief Minister resigned on the night of February 9, and President’s Rule was imposed on February 13. Ramesh argued that the situation has not improved under President’s Rule. “Even the Governor is forced to travel from Imphal airport to his residence by helicopter due to safety concerns,” he claimed.

He questioned when the Prime Minister would “find the time and inclination to visit Manipur,” noting sarcastically that the PM’s supporters once boasted he had “paused the war between Ukraine and Russia.” “While the PM travels extensively for inaugurations and foreign visits, he has never met civil society or political leaders from Manipur,” Ramesh added.

“The indifference of the 'Frequent Flyer PM' to the suffering in Manipur is not just shocking — it is a national disgrace. His silence and inaction have left the people of the state abandoned and betrayed,” he concluded.

 

Also Read: Curfew in Manipur, 5-day internet ban after violent protests