In a significant development amid ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur, five members of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a civilian and the assault of two police personnel, according to officials familiar with the matter.
🔍 Details of the Arrests
The arrested individuals include Huidrom Somokanta Singh, Huidrom Dipak Singh, and Thingujam Ranjit Singh, who were produced before a magistrate and remanded to seven days of police custody. Two others were earlier arrested on June 12 and 13 for their role in a mob attack on June 9, which left Additional Superintendent of Police Wangkhomba Okramcha injured.
🚨 Protests and Shutdowns Follow Arrests
The arrests triggered widespread protests across the Imphal Valley, with demonstrators resorting to arson and stone-pelting. The Arambai Tenggol group demanded the immediate release of the detained members and called for a 10-day shutdown, which was later withdrawn after four days.
📵 Curfew and Internet Suspension
In response to escalating tensions, authorities reimposed curfew in Bishnupur and suspended broadband and mobile data services in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and incitement via social media.
⚔️ Ethnic Conflict Background
The arrests are part of a broader crackdown in the wake of the protracted ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis, which erupted in May 2023. The conflict has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands. Both communities have since retreated into their respective strongholds, with road blockades and restricted movement continuing to hamper normalcy.
🔎 More Arrests Expected
Manipur Police have confirmed that multiple militants from banned outfits have also been apprehended and that further arrests are likely in the coming days as part of the ongoing operation to restore law and order.
