Critics point to the MP’s April remarks praising Arambai Tenggol as “my sons,” questioning the logic behind his indignation. Video footage from June 8 shows Sanajaoba pleading for the release of detained Arambai Tenggol members, highlighting his controversial alignment with the group.
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, September 21: The decision of Leishemba Sanajaoba, the titular king of Manipur and BJP Rajya Sabha MP, to file an FIR against an X user for describing him as a “leader” of the armed Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol has triggered a storm of posts online, bringing back echoes of his association with the controversial group—most notably when he once publicly called its cadres “his sons.”
The FIR, lodged by Sanajaoba’s private secretary Maisnma Shivadutta, focused on a post by user Shalini Shukla (@shalini_sh1). The complaint objected primarily to Shukla’s description of the MP as the “leader” of the militant organisation and the use of his photograph.
“The tweet includes the photograph of the Hon’ble MP (RS) Manipur implying him as the leader of the Arambai Tenggol and expressing anti-national passages,” the FIR states.
Lodged Written Complaints today to DGP, Manipur & Cyber Crime Police, Manipur against the Misleading & Baseless Tweet by Ms. Shalini Shukla upon me in connection with Yesterday ‘s Nambol Ambush on Assam Rifles .@manipur_police
@manipurgovernment pic.twitter.com/rHcTM2r5uO— Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba. (@MaharajaManipur) September 20, 2025
Mr. Sanajaoba’s indignation is, to say the least, ironic, given his April 15 remarks at a football prize distribution in Imphal, where he praised Arambai Tenggol as “my sons.” If the MP has no qualms about addressing members of an armed militia in such personal terms, why should an X user—where people often take liberties with facts—hesitate to refer to him as their “leader”?
Royal Intervention Amid Arson and Gunfire
Sanajaoba’s link with the armed militia became even more apparent on June 8, 2025, when he was caught on video during violent unrest in Imphal, pleading with security forces to release five detained members of Arambai Tenggol. The unrest followed the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) arrest of the outfit’s self-styled “Army Chief,” Kanan Singh, and four senior members.
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The arrests sparked chaos: hundreds of Arambai Tenggol cadres and supporters clashed with security forces, set fires, blocked roads, and even threatened self-immolation. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew across five valley districts and enforced a state-wide internet blackout.
RS MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has been seen negotiating for Arambais arrested by the NIA for their role in instigating Manipur violence. In India’s democracy, MPs, as legislators, are tasked with lawmaking, not executive functions like negotiating for arrested terrorists. @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/hzHPzWZ5XR
— Jalhai Haokip (@hatjalhai) June 7, 2025
In the viral footage, Sanajaoba, visibly agitated, confronted security forces near Kwakeithel Police Outpost, declaring: “If this continues, arrest me and another MLA as well!”
His intervention, far from calming tensions, appeared to embolden protesters, reinforcing concerns over the group’s political patronage.
Earlier Praise for the Militia
Returning to the football event: on April 14, 2025, at the closing ceremony of the First Arambai Tenggol Football Tournament in Imphal West, Sanajaoba publicly lauded the militia, warning they would be ready to defend Meitei land “if duty calls.”
“Arambai Tenggol are defenders of our motherland, not anti-nationals,” the MP declared.
“Some claim Arambai Tenggol has surrendered, relinquished their weapons, and returned to civilian life. But mark my words—whenever duty calls to safeguard our motherland, we will not hesitate to resume our former roles.”
The open endorsement of the radicalized Meitei armed militia Arambai Tenggol by Manipur’s @BJP4India Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, raises serious concerns about government complicity in the ethnic violence against the Kuki-Zo community.@AmitShahOffice @PMOIndia… pic.twitter.com/JZFU6fId2d
— H S Benjamin Mate (@BenjaminMate1) April 14, 2025
He further praised the group, stating:
“It gladdens my heart to know that my sons, the Arambai Tenggol, have consistently kept their word strong with our deity. We have stood steadfastly for our motherland, and should any enemy dare challenge us in the future, we will take up arms without hesitation.”
The video sparked outrage, particularly among the Kuki-Zo community, who allege it confirms Arambai Tenggol’s ties to the BJP MP.
Political and Administrative Links
In another instance establishing Sanajaoba’s connection with Arambai Tenggol, in January 2024 a special Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) team, led by senior advisor A.K. Mishra, flew directly to Imphal and held talks with the militia’s leaders at the BJP MP’s residence. The group reportedly presented demands including a strict NRC with 1951 as the cut-off year, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki insurgent groups, deportation of Myanmarese refugees, and delisting Kukis from the Scheduled Tribe list.
A Polarising Figure
Sanajaoba, a hereditary monarch turned BJP MP, has long been a polarising presence. He has advocated for Meitei demands for Scheduled Tribe status, a key trigger for Manipur’s ongoing ethnic strife. His repeated public alignment with Arambai Tenggol has intensified scrutiny over his role in the state’s conflict.
Dozens of photographs are available on social media platform showing him in close proximity with Arambai Tenggol commanders, including Khuman Korounganba, wanted by the NIA for murder, attempted murder, and attacks on security forces.
As the FIR against the X user fuels renewed debate, critics ask: if the security of Manipur rests with police, army, and paramilitary forces, why celebrate an armed vigilante group as defenders of the state?
The controversy underscores a deeper question: can political leaders in Manipur truly distance themselves from armed militias accused of running a “parallel government” in the valley?
