From forced pork consumption to extrajudicial killings, a disturbing pattern of abuse against Muslims by private militias and their cadres has gone largely unpunished.
BY PC Bureau
June 19, 2025 – The brutal murder of Chesam Abdul Kadir, a 29-year-old mentally challenged Muslim man, in June 2025 has spotlighted a disturbing pattern of violence targeting the Meitei Pangal (Muslim) community in Manipur by the Meitei militia group Arambai Tenggol (AT). Over the past two years, since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in May 2023, reports of abductions, killings, torture, and forced pork consumption against Muslims have surfaced, raising alarms about communal targeting and impunity in the state. Below is a detailed account of Kadir’s case, previously reported incidents, and additional documented attacks on Muslims by AT from 2023 to 2025.
The Murder of Chesam Abdul Kadir (June 2025)
On June 17, 2025, Manipur Police arrested nine individuals, including six AT members, for the abduction and murder of Chesam Abdul Kadir from Paobatek Mayai Leikai, Imphal West. Kadir, certified with a 65% mental disability, was accused of theft on June 11, assaulted by a mob, and handed over to AT’s Unit 23. His decomposed body was exhumed from the Nambul Riverbank, triggering protests. The arrested include Longjam Henson (24), Thounaojam Ashok Singh (20), and Huidrom Shyamsunder Singh (30). Kadir’s family denied the theft allegations, citing his mental condition. The Manipur Meitei Pangal Welfare Organisation (MMWO) demanded justice, with locals refusing to accept the body until all culprits are apprehended.
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Earlier Reported Incidents
Killing of Md. Nawash (January 2025)
On January 14, 2025, Md. Nawash, 33, from Keirang Mayai Leikai, was allegedly abducted by Arambai Tenggol members for ransom. His body, showing signs of brutal assault, was found at Thoubal District Hospital. Six AT members—Sagolsem Chingkheinganba Singh (25), Chingakham Sanatomba Singh (19), Sapam Somorjit Singh (32), Maibam Bokenjit Singh (24), Athokpam Jiban Singh (30), and Chingakham Mani Singh (41)—were arrested.
Torture and Forced Pork Consumption of Tampakmayum Aktar (January 2025)
On January 4, 2025, 18-year-old Tampakmayum Aktar from Kwakta Ward No. 2 alleged in a viral video that he was tortured by AT’s Heingang Unit. Tied up, beaten, and forced to consume pork—a violation of his Islamic faith—Aktar claimed AT leader Korounganba Khuman pierced his hands with nails. Accused of molesting a Meitei colleague, Jenita, Aktar said the group framed the Muslim community as plotting against Meitei culture. No arrests followed, prompting accusations of police bias. Muslim organizations demanded accountability by January 7, 2025.
Arambai Tenggol leader Korounganba forced a Pangal Muslim to eat Pork in Imphal valley. The boy who belongs to Manipur Muslim community alleged that Korounganba pierced nail on his wrist n forced him to lie that on Friday prayer, Imam tell the Muslims boys to convert Meitei gals pic.twitter.com/cHOtE5MuKO
— KUKIZO Alliance (@KUKIZOAlliance) January 5, 2025
Additional Cases of Attacks on Muslims (2023–2025)
Lilong Chingjao Shooting (January 1, 2024)
On January 1, 2024, in Lilong Chingjao, Thoubal district, a botched extortion attempt led to a deadly attack allegedly by the banned insurgent group People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Armed assailants opened fire on civilians, killing four Meitei Pangal men—Mohammad Daulat (30), M. Insan (45), Mohammad Momo (22), and Mohammad Amir (30)—and injuring 15 others. The Manipur Police filed an FIR but made no arrests, fueling distrust. The Meitei Pangal community staged protests, demanding justice.
Assault on Meitei Pangal Youth in Kwakta (August 2023)
In August 2023, a Meitei Pangal youth from Kwakta, Bishnupur district, was allegedly abducted and beaten by AT members after a dispute over a market transaction. According to community leaders, the youth was accused of “disrespecting Meitei vendors” and subjected to public humiliation. Reports on X claimed he was forced to apologize on video, with AT members threatening further violence against Muslims in the area. No police action was reported, and the incident heightened tensions in the mixed Meitei-Muslim region.
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Forced Pork Consumption in Thoubal (October 2023)
In October 2023, two Muslim traders in Thoubal district were reportedly detained by the cadres of a valley-based militant group and forced to consume pork during a “vigilante check” for alleged drug trafficking. Community members reported on X that the traders were beaten and coerced into eating pork as a “punishment” for defying the moral policing. The incident, though not officially reported to police due to fear of reprisal, circulated widely on social media, prompting condemnation from Muslim civil society groups.
— Genev (@genev203) January 8, 2025
Attack on Meitei Pangal Homes in Imphal East (May 2023)
During the initial wave of ethnic violence in May 2023, AT members were accused of targeting Meitei Pangal homes in Imphal East’s Kshetrigao area. According to a report by The Diplomat, mobs led by Arambai Tenggol burned at least 10 Muslim homes, displacing families caught in the crossfire of Meitei-Kuki clashes. Residents alleged AT branded Muslims as “Kuki sympathizers,” despite their neutral stance. No arrests were made, and displaced families sought refuge in relief camps.
Harassment of Muslim Students in Imphal (July 2023)
In July 2023, miscreants allegedly harassed Muslim students at a college in Imphal West, accusing them of “anti-Meitei activities.” Reports on X described AT cadres storming the campus, threatening students, and demanding they pledge loyalty to Meitei causes. The incident, which disrupted classes, was not addressed by authorities, further emboldening the vigilante actions. Muslim student organizations called for protection, but no concrete measures followed.
The Meitei Pangal community, numbering about 300,000, has been uniquely vulnerable, caught between Meitei and Kuki-Zo hostilities. Despite their historical coexistence with Meiteis, Muslims face increasing suspicion as “outsiders” or “Kuki allies.” Amnesty International documented AT’s discriminatory rhetoric and violence, noting the state’s failure to curb hate speech or prosecute perpetrators.
The pattern of attacks—seven documented cases from May 2023 to June 2025—has fueled demands for justice. Muslim organizations, including the All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation, have called for a ban on AT and stricter enforcement against vigilante groups. Protests following Kadir’s murder and earlier incidents highlight distrust in the Manipur Police, accused of selective inaction. The imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025, after N. Biren Singh’s resignation, has yet to yield significant accountability.
As Manipur’s ethnic violence, claiming over 260 lives, continues, the targeting of Muslims underscores the urgent need for central intervention, prosecution of perpetrators, and restoration of communal harmony.
