Denial and Damage Control: Arambai Tenggol disowns the accused, insisting it is a democratic group uninvolved in any violent actions.
BY PC Bureau
June 11, 2025 — A member of the Arambai Tenggol group has been arrested for allegedly opening fire on security forces during a violent confrontation at Tera Sapam Leirak in Imphal West District. The accused, Raj alias Boinao Pangeijam (39), was apprehended by Manipur Police on Sunday and found in possession of a pistol, believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
The shootout took place on June 9, when security personnel were deployed to dismantle a road blockade erected by protestors amid escalating unrest. According to police sources, Pangeijam allegedly fired at the advancing forces and fled the scene, but was later tracked down and arrested. He has been produced before a magistrate and remanded to eight days of police custody for further interrogation.
This incident was part of a broader wave of violence that rocked Imphal and its adjoining areas over the past three days, as alleged Arambai Tenggol members launched a series of attacks during a protest against the assault on their self-styled “army chief,” Kanan Singh.
READ: Special Story: Why the Delay? CBI’s Fast Northeast Lane Ends in Manipur
During the unrest, protestors assaulted an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and pelted stones at an Army Major, significantly escalating tensions between the crowd and security personnel. In one of the most alarming developments, a protestor allegedly opened fire on the police at Tera Sapam Leirak, further intensifying the situation.
It’s a lie, shame on you AT “Raj Panjeibam is the Commander of Arambai Tenggol unit 48-Sagolband.” @rpglifesciences & @RPGEnterprises where he claims to work as a business manager.@the_hindu @thewire_in @IndianExpress @timesofindia @ThePrintIndia @official_dgar @BhallaAjay26 pic.twitter.com/WKDx9aF9MC
— Makharine16 (@RusselKhongsai) June 11, 2025
The mob also set fire to vehicles, ransacked government property, and burned furniture, leaving parts of the city in ruins. The coordinated violence effectively paralyzed several parts of Imphal, with streets strewn with debris and the charred remains of torched vehicles.
In addition to Pangeijam, the Manipur Police detained 19 individuals in connection with recent incidents of street violence in Imphal East District. The detainees were allegedly involved in blocking roads, harassing commuters, and causing public disturbances, many of them reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Their disruptive actions created major inconveniences for law-abiding citizens and posed a serious threat to public order.
Police have urged the public—particularly the youth—to refrain from engaging in unlawful and anti-social activities, warning that such behaviour can lead to serious legal consequences and jeopardize one’s future and career.
Arambai Tenggol Issues Denial
In a statement issued by Laishram Robason, Control Room Operator of Arambai Tenggol GHQ, the organisation denied any official role in the violence. The statement, originally in Meitei, emphasized that Arambai Tenggol is a democratic organisation and was not aware of the accused’s actions.
READ: Sonam in Shillong, Paid Hitman from Raja’s Own Wallet
“The individual acted independently. Arambai Tenggol neither promotes nor endorses violence. Rumours linking him to an AT MLA are baseless. We appeal to the public not to conflate his actions with our organisation’s mission,” the statement read.
This latest episode has heightened scrutiny of Arambai Tenggol, a group that claims to advocate for Meitei interests but has often been accused of lawlessness and vigilantism. While the organisation maintains its democratic credentials, authorities are now probing whether the June 9 attack was part of a larger conspiracy or a rogue act by an individual member.