Protests erupted again in Manipur on Saturday following the arrest of a prominent leader from the Meitei community. In response, the administration has implemented restrictions in five districts within the Imphal Valley, and internet services have been suspended. A video circulated online showing individuals dressed in black dousing themselves with petrol, threatening self-immolation. Tensions escalated dramatically after the arrest of the leader of the armed militia group, Arambai Tenggol.
Amid the ongoing tensions, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla engaged in a comprehensive review meeting on Sunday with senior administrative and security officials to discuss the current security situation in the state. Present at the meeting were the security advisor, Director General of Police, Home Commissioner, Secretary to the Governor, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), IGAR (S), Inspector General, CRPF, and other senior officials.
During the discussion, a group of legislators met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. They briefed the Governor on the current law and order situation and requested his intervention to facilitate a harmonious resolution. The Governor assured the delegation that all necessary steps were being taken to address concerns and restore normalcy.
A police officer reported, 'Violent protests occurred following the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol leader, resulting in injuries to three people. Precautionary measures have been implemented.' Clashes between security forces and protesters were reported across several locations in the state capital, including at Khurai Lamlong area of Imphal East where a bus was set ablaze. At a primary point of conflict near Kangla Gate, just 200 meters from the Raj Bhavan, security forces dispersed crowds using multiple rounds of tear gas. There were also reports of gunfire heard in Kwakeithel, although the responsible parties remain unidentified.
The arrest of Kanan Singh, a member of Arambai Tenggol by the Central Bureau of Investigation, triggered the renewed turmoil in Manipur. The CBI noted his involvement in criminal activities linked to the 2023 violence in Manipur. He was apprehended at Imphal Airport on Saturday, leading protesters to surround the airport's entrance and block significant routes to prevent authorities from transferring the detained leader out of the state. The CBI stated, 'Today, the Anti-Corruption Branch of CBI, Guwahati, has arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol (AT) at Imphal Airport. He was involved in various criminal activities related to the 2023 Manipur violence. His family has been informed about the arrest, and he has been brought from Imphal to Guwahati to be presented in court for police remand.'
In precautionary measures, authorities have imposed restrictions in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. Moreover, internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN access, have been suspended in these valley regions. An official order stated, 'Given the current law and order situation particularly in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, there is a concern that certain antisocial elements may use social media extensively to circulate photos, hate speeches, and hate video messages to incite public sentiments, which could severely impact the law and order situation in the state.' The district administration has prohibited gatherings of five or more people and the possession of sticks, stones, firearms, and sharp weapons under Section 163, sub-section 2 of the Indian Civil Defense Code. Residents of Imphal East and Bishnupur districts have been ordered to stay indoors from 10 PM on Saturday until further notice.
