Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 8 (ANI): Protests broke out in Manipur’s capital, Imphal, on Sunday night following the arrest of Kanan Singh, a member of the Meitei organization Arambai Tenggol, and four others by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The arrest, which authorities said was linked to Singh’s alleged involvement in criminal activities during the 2023 ethnic violence, has triggered fresh unrest in the already volatile region.
Large crowds gathered in parts of Imphal, blocking roads with burning tyres and demanding the immediate release of those arrested. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse demonstrators, while heavy patrolling was deployed across the city.
The CBI confirmed that Singh was arrested at Imphal Airport and later transported to Guwahati due to concerns over local law and order. The agency said Singh’s arrest is part of its ongoing probe into the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, which it is investigating under the directions of the Supreme Court of India.
“The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol (AT) at Imphal Airport today, i.e. on 08.06.2025. He was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023,” the CBI said in an official statement. The agency noted that Singh’s family was informed and that he would be presented before a competent court in Guwahati for a remand hearing.
In light of the arrest and the ensuing unrest, curfews have been imposed in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. Additionally, authorities have suspended mobile internet, VSAT, and VPN services in these districts for five days to prevent the spread of misinformation and further escalation.
The situation prompted urgent political intervention. A delegation of 25 MLAs and one MP met with Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla to express concern over the arrests and the subsequent tension. The lawmakers, cutting across party lines, emphasized the need for transparency and appealed for the immediate release of the detained individuals.
Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar stated, “Five of our boys who belong to Arambai Tenggol have been arrested, after which the entire state has gone into panic mode. There are bandhs and blockades in certain locations, and the internet has been shut down. We have requested the Governor that if the government wants to arrest anyone at such a juncture, they should clarify the reason to the public.”
Echoing this sentiment, BJP MLA Kh Ibomcha said, “The Governor expressed that the government is not against Arambai Tenggol. They endorsed Arambai Tenggol’s services during the recent flood. Kanan Singh was arrested for a CBI case against him, and the other four were picked up as they were with him at the time. The government is verifying these four through the state police. Once they are cleared, they will be released accordingly.”
The developments reflect ongoing sensitivities in Manipur, which has struggled with inter-community tensions and violence since 2023. As authorities attempt to maintain order, political leaders are calling for a balanced approach to justice and community harmony. (ANI)
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