Imphal, June 9: Violent protests continued across Manipur on Monday, defying prohibitory orders, after the arrest of Kanan Singh, leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, and four others, triggering widespread unrest in the volatile northeastern Indian state.
Demonstrators clashed with security forces in multiple districts, including Imphal West and Imphal East, prompting police to fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets. A government building – the Sub-Divisional Collector’s office in Yairipok Tulihal – was set ablaze, partially damaging the premises and destroying official records, authorities said.
“The situation continues to remain tense with protesters blocking several roads with bamboo sticks,” a police official told Reuters. “Though several roadblocks, particularly on the Tiddim Road that leads to the Imphal airport, have been cleared by security forces.”
Torchlight marches were held overnight, and roads were blocked with soil mounds and burning tyres in areas such as Sekmai, Koirengei, Wangkhei, and Khurai. Women’s groups joined the protests, calling for the immediate formation of a government in the state, which has been under President’s rule since February.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed it had arrested an Arambai Tenggol member at Imphal airport on Sunday for alleged involvement in the 2023 ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands.
The arrests prompted the Manipur government to suspend internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, across five valley districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching — beginning Saturday night. Prohibitory orders are also in effect in these districts.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a high-level security review meeting on Sunday to assess the escalating situation. The state assembly, whose tenure runs until 2027, remains under suspended animation following the imposition of President’s rule after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in February.
The latest bout of violence underscores persistent ethnic tensions in Manipur, where law and order has remained fragile since large-scale clashes erupted in May 2023.
