Manipur Tensions Rise Again: Curfew, Internet Ban After Arrest of Arambai Tenggol Leaders
Tensions flared once again in the violence-hit state of Manipur, as the arrest of five top leaders of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, including their chief Asem Kanan Singh, sparked widespread protests. In response, the state government imposed a curfew and suspended internet services in several districts to prevent further escalation.
Who Was Arrested and Why?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Asem Kanan Singh at Imphal Airport on Saturday, 7 June. Singh is the leader of Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei outfit accused of playing a major role in the ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur since 2023.
According to the CBI, Singh was taken into custody for his alleged involvement in “various criminal activities” linked to the 2023 clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Four other members of Arambai Tenggol were arrested alongside him. All five were transferred to Guwahati in Assam, where their trials will be conducted due to the sensitive law and order situation in Manipur.
What Is Arambai Tenggol?
While Arambai Tenggol presents itself as a social organisation, it is widely seen as an armed Meitei radical group. The group holds significant influence among the Meitei population and has been accused of fuelling tensions during ethnic clashes with the Kuki community.
What Sparked the Current Unrest?
Soon after the arrests, large-scale protests erupted in Imphal and nearby areas. Angry demonstrators stormed a police outpost, set fire to a government bus, and blocked roads. Reports from The Hindu and Hindustan Times confirm that some protesters clashed with security forces, prompting authorities to fire tear gas and live rounds to disperse the crowd.
A 13-year-old boy was injured during the crackdown.
State lawmaker Okram Surjakumar described the arrests as a “trigger” that has pushed the state back into chaos.
Curfew and Internet Ban in Place
To control the situation, the Manipur government has imposed:
- Indefinite curfew in parts of Imphal
- Internet and mobile data shutdown in five districts for five days
- Ban on public gatherings of more than four people
The administration stated these measures were necessary to stop the spread of rumours and prevent further violence.
Shutdown Call by Arambai Tenggol
Arambai Tenggol itself has called for a 10-day shutdown across parts of Manipur, starting Saturday night. The shutdown has further intensified public tension and restricted movement in many areas.
Political Fallout: Opposition Slams the Centre
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of not taking responsibility for the ongoing violence in Manipur.
In a strongly worded post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi wrote,
“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.”
She also criticised Modi for not visiting Manipur or meeting local representatives since the violence began in 2023.
Federal Rule and a Divided State
Earlier this year, the Indian government brought Manipur under direct central rule after the resignation of the Chief Minister, following heavy criticism from opposition parties. However, despite this move, peace remains elusive in the state.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come under fire from both human rights groups and political rivals for what many call a failure to restore normalcy.
On Sunday, a multi-party delegation of lawmakers met with the state governor, demanding the release of the arrested leaders. BJP lawmaker Kh Ibomcha, who was part of the delegation, said that the arrests should be reviewed after police questioning.
A Conflict Without Closure
Manipur has been gripped by ethnic clashes since May 2023, primarily between the majority Meitei and the minority Kuki communities. The conflict has claimed over 250 lives and displaced tens of thousands.
Despite repeated attempts at peace, including intervention by the central government, the arrest of influential leaders like Asem Kanan Singh appears to have re-ignited deep-seated anger and mistrust among communities.
With tensions running high and security on alert, Manipur remains on edge once again.