Manipur Protests Escalate After Arrest of Meitei Group Leader
Curfews imposed and internet shut down across districts as Meitei protesters threaten self-immolation over the arrest of Arambai Tenggol leader Kanan Singh
Violence has resurfaced in Manipur following the arrest of Kanan Singh, a key figure in the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol. Large-scale protests broke out in Imphal and surrounding areas, with demonstrators pouring petrol on themselves and threatening self-immolation. The unrest has prompted authorities to impose curfews and suspend internet services across several districts in an attempt to restore order.
The arrest has rekindled deep-seated ethnic tensions in the region, which has witnessed prolonged conflict between the Meitei community, largely residing in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zomi tribal groups from the surrounding hills.
Background: Ethnic Conflict in Manipur
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic unrest for several years. The root of the conflict lies in competing demands for recognition, land rights, and political representation.
The Meitei community, predominantly Hindu and concentrated in the central valley, has long sought Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to gain access to affirmative action and land protections. This demand has been strongly opposed by the Kuki and Zomi tribes, who argue that granting ST status to the Meitei would erode the rights and benefits currently afforded to tribal populations in the hill regions.
In 2023, the Manipur High Court issued a directive favorable to the Meitei’s ST demand, leading to widespread protests and violence that resulted in hundreds of casualties and deepening mistrust between communities.
Arrest of Kanan Singh and Public Reaction
Kanan Singh, a suspended Manipur police commando and a prominent leader of Arambai Tenggol, was recently arrested for allegedly abducting and torturing a fellow police officer. His arrest triggered a wave of protests in Imphal.
Supporters claim Singh played a key role in protecting the Meitei community during past ethnic clashes. Many see his detention as one-sided enforcement, especially as several Kuki leaders accused of similar actions remain at large.
The protest response was unprecedented: hundreds of Meitei youth reportedly poured petrol over themselves in public, threatening to self-immolate if Singh was not released. Although no incidents of actual self-immolation have been reported, the symbolism and scale of the protest have raised significant concern.
Government Response
In response to the escalating tensions, the Manipur government has:
- Imposed indefinite curfews in several districts, including Imphal East and West.
- Suspended mobile internet, broadband, and data services to curb the spread of rumors and inflammatory content.
- Deployed additional security personnel to sensitive areas.
Local reports also indicate sporadic instances of vandalism, arson, and clashes between civilians and law enforcement. Several journalists were reportedly injured while covering the protests.
Who Is Arambai Tenggol?
Arambai Tenggol is a Meitei militia-style group that emerged in response to earlier ethnic clashes. It is alleged to have access to arms and organizational support and has been linked to various incidents involving property damage, confrontations, and controversial slogans invoking ethnic identity.
Critics claim the group has received political backing in the past, though no official confirmation of state support exists. The group's activities—and the state’s handling of them—remain highly polarizing topics in Manipur.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The current unrest highlights several challenges:
- Erosion of trust in law enforcement: Protesters argue that the arrest of Meitei leaders is selective and politically motivated.
- Continued youth radicalization: The threat of self-immolation suggests a deep psychological toll and disillusionment among the state's youth.
- Institutional fragility: The administration has struggled to manage perceptions of bias and enforce justice equitably across communities.
Analysts warn that further crackdowns on groups like Arambai Tenggol could lead to more unrest unless paired with an inclusive political dialogue involving all ethnic groups. Similarly, inaction or appeasement of militant factions risks undermining the rule of law.
The government has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the protestors’ demands but has appealed for calm and restraint.
Conclusion
The situation in Manipur remains volatile. While immediate measures such as curfews and internet shutdowns may temporarily restore order, a long-term resolution will require addressing the root causes of ethnic division, ensuring equal access to justice, and rebuilding public trust in governance.
Without a sustained peace and reconciliation process, the region risks sliding further into cycles of protest and reaction that have plagued it for years.
Note: Names and events have been verified against available reports. Due to an ongoing internet shutdown in the region, some eyewitness accounts remain unverified.