Violence Erupts in Manipur Following Arrest of Arambai Tenggol Leader; Governor Holds Security Meeting, Imposes Curfew and Internet Shutdown.
Manipur: Following recent violence and escalating tensions in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a meeting on Sunday with senior administrative and security officials to review the situation. The meeting extensively discussed the current law and order situation in the state.
Attendees included the Security Advisor, Director General of Police (DGP), Home Commissioner, Secretary to the Governor, Additional DGP (Law and Order), IGAR (S), senior officials from the CRPF, and several other administrative officers.
Meeting with Legislators
A delegation of state legislators met with the Governor at Raj Bhavan in Imphal, briefing him on the current situation. The legislators appealed to the Governor to intervene to restore peace and find an amicable solution. The Governor assured them that all necessary steps were being taken to restore normalcy.
Protests Erupt Following Arrest
On Saturday, CBI arrested Kanan Singh, a prominent leader of the Meitei community and a member of the armed organization Arambai Tenggol (AT), from Imphal airport. This led to large-scale protests in Imphal. Protestors demonstrated outside the airport and blocked roads to prevent the arrested leader from being taken out of the state.
According to the CBI, Kanan Singh was involved in criminal activities related to the 2023 Manipur violence. He was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch in Guwahati and brought to Guwahati from Imphal. He will be produced in court and a police remand will be sought.
Violence Escalates During Protests
Clashes erupted between protestors and security forces at several locations following the arrest. According to a police officer, three people were injured in the clashes. A mob set a bus on fire in Khurai Lamlong area of Imphal East. Security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds near Kangla Gate. Gunshots were also heard in the Kwakhtel area, but the source remains unclear.
Viral Video: Threat of Self-Immolation
A video is circulating on social media showing individuals in black clothes threatening self-immolation by pouring petrol on themselves. This has further increased the administration's concerns.
Curfew Imposed in Five Districts, Internet Services Suspended
To control the situation, the administration has imposed a curfew in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. Internet and mobile data services (including VSAT and VPN access) have been suspended indefinitely in these areas.
Strict Warning in Order
In an official order, the administration stated that some anti-social elements might be spreading inflammatory messages, hateful videos, and photos through social media, potentially disrupting peace and order. This measure was taken as a precaution. Curfew-like conditions have been imposed in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts since 10 pm on Saturday until further notice. People have been advised to stay indoors.
