CBI Steps In Where NIA Was Misattributed: Clearing earlier confusion, it was the CBI—not the NIA—that carried out the high-profile arrest tied to violence in Manipur, as per a formal press release.
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, June 8, 2025 – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), not the National Investigation Agency (NIA), arrested a member of the Arambai Tenggol (AT) at Imphal Airport on January 7, 2025. Singh was apprehended in connection with the 2023 Manipur ethnic clashes, where the Meitei militia group has long faced allegations of orchestrating targeted attacks and inciting violence.
READ: Arambai Tenggol Declares 10-Day Manipur Bandh After Violent Imphal Protests
In its official press release, the CBI stated:
“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 further confirmed that the arrested individual was being shifted out of Manipur for legal proceedings, noting:
“The said arrested member of Arambai Tenggol (AT) has been brought from Imphal to Guwahati and he will be produced before the competent court for police remand.”
CBI Arrests a member of Arambai Tenggol (AT) involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence pic.twitter.com/Qb5We4oLBW
— Central Bureau of Investigation (India) (@CBIHeadquarters) June 8, 2025
The arrest is part of the CBI’s ongoing investigation into cases related to the Meitei–Kuki ethnic conflict, which erupted in May 2023. The Supreme Court had directed the agency to take over sensitive cases, including those involving mass arson, sexual assault, killings, and looting of police armories, citing concerns over impartiality and local law enforcement’s capacity.
This arrest also sharpens the focus on Korounganba Khuman, the self-styled Commander-in-Chief of Arambai Tenggol, who remains at large despite facing graver allegations. These include orchestrating mob violence, political coercion of elected representatives, and targeted attacks on minority communities. Khuman’s evasion of law, despite mounting charges, has sparked increasing public calls for accountability.
READ: Imphal’s Night of Horror Unmasks Arambai Tenggol’s True Face
The violence that began in May 2023 has led to over 200 deaths, the displacement of more than 50,000 people, and a humanitarian crisis that still simmers across the state. Arambai Tenggol has been widely accused of spearheading many of the Meitei-led assaults on Kuki-Zo settlements. In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the CBI took over several high-profile FIRs and shifted the trials to Guwahati to ensure judicial integrity.
“Investigation is continuing,” the CBI press note added, signaling that further arrests may follow.
