Sunday saw continued protests in Manipur against the arrest of Arambai Tenggol leaders. Authorities have imposed restrictions in five districts of the Imphal Valley and suspended internet services. Protesters defied orders, setting tires ablaze on the roads in Uripok, Koirengei in Imphal West, and Khurai in Imphal East.
Protesters in Koirengei dug up roads and piled dirt on main roads to hinder security forces' movement. Similar protests were observed in neighboring Assam's Jiribam district. Restrictions were imposed in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts from Saturday night onwards. Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, were suspended in these valley areas.
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Source: aajtak
In the jurisdiction of the Andro center of Imphal East, the Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC) office in Yairipok Tulihal was set on fire by unknown miscreants around 7:45 PM. Government records and infrastructure suffered substantial damage before the fire was controlled. Protesters threatened administration with self-immolation by pouring petrol on themselves, captured in a video showing several standing and pouring petrol.
The Governor Meets Legislators' Delegation
In light of the deteriorating situation, Manipur's Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla held a security review meeting with senior officials on Sunday. A Raj Bhavan statement noted that the Governor also met a delegation of legislators who apprised him of the current law and order scenario and sought his intervention for a resolution.
The statement from Raj Bhavan read, "A group of legislators met the Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan today, during which they briefed the Governor on the state's current situation." The Governor assured the delegation that "all necessary measures are being undertaken to address concerns and restore normalcy." The delegation comprised at least 20 legislators from both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress.
Arrest of Arambai Tenggol Organization Member Sparks Uproar
Following the meeting with the Governor, BJP legislator K. Ibomcha mentioned that a total of five individuals were arrested in connection with previous violence incidents, triggering widespread protests across the state from Saturday. Ibomcha disclosed that one of the arrested individuals was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday arrested a member of the Arambai Tenggol organization from Imphal airport for alleged involvement in criminal activities related to the 2023 Manipur violence.
CBI declared in their statement that the arrested individual was transported from Imphal to Guwahati and would be presented before a competent court for police remand. Legislator from Lamlay assembly, K. Ibomcha, stated, "During the meeting, we were informed that five people have been arrested, including one, Kanan Singh, apprehended by CBI. We commend the role played by Arambai Tenggol during the recent floods."
Violence in Protests, Tires and Old Furniture Set Ablaze
On Saturday, protesters in Quakekhetel and Uripok torched tires and old furniture on roads, demanding the release of Meitei leaders. The night of June 7 witnessed clashes between protesters and security forces at various locations in Imphal, where a bus was set ablaze in Khurai Lamlong, Imphal East district.
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Source: aajtak
Security forces released multiple rounds of tear gas at a crowd near Kangla Gate, just about 200 meters from Raj Bhavan, to disperse them. Streets leading to Raj Bhavan are heavily protected with additional central forces deployed. An order from the District Magistrate of Imphal West states that a threat continues to peace, public order, and human life and property.
Prohibition on Gatherings Under BNSS
Under the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) section 163 (2), gatherings of five or more people and carrying sticks, stones, sharp weapons, etc., have been prohibited. Similar preventive measures have been taken in Thoubal and Kakching districts. People in Imphal East and Bishnupur have been restricted from leaving homes from 10 PM on Saturday until further notice under BNSS section 163 (1).
A senior police officer noted, "Protests turned violent following the arrest of Arambai Tenggol leaders. The skirmish between protesters and security forces left three injured. All necessary preventive steps have been taken." Internet services in the valley's five districts have been suspended for five days starting 11:45 PM on Saturday.
Why the Ban on Social Media?
An order from Commissioner-Cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar stated, "Considering the prevailing law and order situation in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts, there is concern that some antisocial elements might share inflammatory images, offensive language, and hate videos on social media, potentially escalating tensions in the state."
The order also mentioned that violations would lead to legal action. Since May 2023, over 260 individuals have died, and thousands have been displaced in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur. Following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's resignation, the central government imposed President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, suspending the state's assembly, which was mandated till 2027.
