Protests Erupt in Imphal Over Arrest of Arambai Tenggol Leader

GG News Bureau
Imphal, 8th June: Protests broke out late Saturday night in Manipur’s capital, Imphal, following the arrest of Arambai Tenggol (AT) leader Kanan Singh, sparking fresh unrest in the ethnically sensitive region.

Angered by Singh’s detention, large groups of Meitei youth—many linked to the AT volunteer group—burnt tyres, blocked roads, and raised slogans demanding his immediate release. The protests escalated in the Kwakeithel area, where residents reported hearing sounds resembling gunfire.

The AT, a Meitei volunteer organisation, has been accused by Kuki groups of carrying out attacks on tribal villages during the peak of last year’s ethnic clashes. Protesters claimed that AT members had already surrendered looted weapons on the assurance of state authorities following an order by Governor A.K. Bhalla and were now unarmed. They also demanded action against Kuki insurgents allegedly masquerading as “village volunteers” while attacking Meitei areas.

Kuki Agitation in Moreh

Simultaneously, tensions remain high in the border town of Moreh, where Kuki civil society groups are protesting the recent arrest of Kamginthang Gangte. He is accused in the October 2023 sniper killing of Manipur Police officer Chingtham Anand. Calling his arrest “arbitrary”, the Kuki groups have enforced a shutdown across Tengnoupal district.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing multiple cases related to the ethnic violence in the state, including those involving AT chief Korounganba Khuman. However, police say their operations are being hampered by resistance from both communities in this deeply polarised state.

With tempers flaring on both sides, security forces remain on high alert to prevent further escalation.