Imphal in Crisis: Following a night of fiery street protests and self-immolation threats over a leader’s arrest, Arambai Tenggol’s 10-day bandh intensifies. Authorities have imposed strict curfews and an internet ban, as the state grapples with deepening ethnic and political divides.
BY PC Bureau
June 8, 2025 –
Tensions in Manipur have escalated as the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol announced a 10-day bandh (general strike) beginning today, June 8. This declaration follows a night of violent protests that erupted after the arrest of one of their leaders on June 7. Authorities have responded with stringent measures, including a suspension of internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN connections, across five key valley districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. This communication blackout aims to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content on social media.
Alongside the communication restrictions, prohibitory orders have been enforced across these districts, with Bishnupur district facing a complete, indefinite curfew to maintain order. The widespread demonstrations across Imphal city, triggered by the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol leader, have already led to clashes with security forces, leaving several protesters injured.
READ: Imphal’s Night of Horror Unmasks Arambai Tenggol’s True Face
Arrest of a AT chief reportedly by Army and beating up few others triggers violent protest in Imphal.
This comes on a day Chin Kukis protested the arrest of a Militant, reportedly a KNA cadre, linked to the killing of SDPO Chingtham Anand, demanding his release.
Are these… pic.twitter.com/K7znTh03Sp
— Meitei Heritage Society (@meiteiheritage) June 7, 2025
Night of Violent Confrontation
Late Saturday night, the streets of Imphal West, particularly Kwakeithel and Uripok, transformed into scenes of intense confrontation. Protesters quickly erected barricades, blocking major roads by setting tires and unused furniture ablaze. Members of Arambai Tenggol vociferously demanded the immediate release of their leader, chanting slogans such as “We are civilians, not terrorists” and “Release our leader or arrest us all.”
In a dramatic and harrowing escalation, some protesters reportedly attempted self-immolation as a desperate form of protest against the central government’s actions. This extreme measure prompted security forces to swiftly deploy tear gas shells to disperse the agitated and volatile crowd.
Meitei Organizations Rally in Support
Meitei organizations have swiftly rallied in support of Arambai Tenggol, framing the group’s actions as a legitimate defense of their community. The Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) has publicly voiced its solidarity, asserting that Arambai Tenggol’s past role as “village volunteers” during the 2023 ethnic clashes justifies their resistance against perceived central overreach.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the MHS stated, “Arrest of a AT chief reportedly by Army and beating up few others triggers violent protest in Imphal. This comes on a day Chin Kukis protested the arrest of a Militant, reportedly a KNA cadre, linked to the killing of SDPO Chingtham Anand, demanding his release.” This post highlights the complex, interconnected nature of the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
READ: Opinion: Why NIA Must Nab Arambai Tenggol “Commander” Now
Arambai Tenggol Declares 10-Day Manipur Bandh
Support for Arambai Tenggol is also notably evident among Meitei X users, with online posts reflecting a complex mix of admiration and frustration. Many have openly praised the group’s perceived efforts to protect Meitei villages during the 2023 ethnic violence, with sentiments like “Arambai Tenggol stood up when no one else did” gaining significant traction. Others have sharply criticized the government’s response, with widespread calls for the release of the detained leaders resonating widely, even as opinions remain sharply divided amidst the ongoing unrest.
Authorities across Manipur are on high alert, with additional security forces being strategically deployed to sensitive areas. The declared 10-day bandh and the ongoing protests underscore the deep ethnic and political fault lines that continue to threaten stability and peace in the state.
