Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jun 9: Life came to a grinding halt across five valley districts in Manipur on Monday as indefinite curfew and a 10-day shutdown — called by the radical Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol — paralyzed normal activities.
The state government, in an attempt to curb escalating tensions, extended the ban on mobile Internet and data services starting Saturday midnight for five days, while imposing curfew in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.
The shutdown, announced Sunday, is a reaction to the recent arrest of Arambai Tenggol leader Ashem Kanan Singh (46) by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his alleged involvement in criminal and unlawful activities. Singh, a former Head Constable in Manipur Police, was dismissed from service in March this year due to links to cross-border arms smuggling and other offenses.
Protests erupted across the valley districts — home primarily to the Meitei community — following Singh’s arrest. Demonstrators blocked roads, burned tires, and even set fire to vehicles, including those of security forces.
A police official confirmed that clashes between protesters and security forces broke out at more than ten locations, leaving around 20 people — including several security personnel — injured.
One major flashpoint was the office of the Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC) at Yairipok Tulihal in Imphal East, which was set ablaze, partially destroying the building and official documents.
Security forces fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets in several areas to disperse the crowds. In a few places, Arambai Tenggol activists threatened self-immolation in a symbolic protest against the leader’s detention.
Additional deployments of central and state security forces have been made in Imphal East and Imphal West, led by senior officials, to restore order.
Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three insurgents linked to the deadly January 2024 ambush on security forces in Moreh, which killed two police commandos. One suspect, Thangminlen Mate of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT), was apprehended in Silchar, Assam, while two others — Kamginthang Gangte (Kuki National Army) and Hentinthang Kipgen alias Thangneo Kipgen (Village Volunteers group) — were arrested in Manipur.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba left for Delhi on Monday to brief central leaders on the volatile situation.
Speaking at Imphal airport, Singh appealed for calm: “This is a crucial period for Manipur. Everyone must act responsibly and avoid harmful activities. We need to work together for peace.”