The dramatic end to Manipur’s disruptive shutdown comes amidst escalating violence, including vehicle torching and threats to security forces, widely seen in viral videos featuring Arambai Tenggol cadres. The group, however, maintains it’s a socio-cultural body and blames “anti-socials” for the unrest.
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, June 10, 2025 – The Meitei organization Arambai Tenggol today announced the suspension of its 10-day shutdown in Manipur’s five valley districts, just three days after its initiation. The group cited “misuse of the protest by anti-social elements” as the reason for calling off the bandh, which was sparked by the June 7 arrest of their leader, Asem Kanan Singh, by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged involvement in criminal activities linked to the 2023 Manipur violence.
The shutdown had paralyzed normal life across Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. The three days of unrest saw widespread chaos, with protests erupting on Saturday night following Singh’s arrest. Demonstrators engaged in aggressive acts including burning tires, setting vehicles ablaze, extensively blocking roads, and clashing violently with security forces. Some protesters even threatened self-immolation, significantly escalating tensions in the state capital.
The decision to suspend the strike notably followed former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi late on Monday night. Biren Singh was reportedly accompanied by Manipur’s titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, who is also the founder of Arambai Tenggol. Sources indicated that the Centre was highly displeased with the violent protest, particularly as it bears direct responsibility for law and order in the state, which is currently under President’s Rule. Furthermore, the Home Ministry has recently resumed dialogue with Kuki-Zo groups and is taking every possible step to restore peace in Manipur.
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It is understood that the Home Ministry urged Singh to leverage his influence with Arambai Tenggol to persuade them to call off the protest, citing the chaotic situation and spreading violence in the valley, especially the targeting of security forces.
Arambai Tenggol has suspended its 10-day Manipur bandh, opting for other democratic protests, PRO Kh. Robin Mangang announced.
This follows escalating unrest in the Imphal Valley, with clashes between protestors and security forces demanding the release of leader Asem Kanan… pic.twitter.com/rfOqBWNk6F
— The Sentinel (@Sentinel_Assam) June 10, 2025
Following this, Robin Mangang Khwairakpam, Arambai Tenggol’s Public Relations Officer, stated on Tuesday, “After the CBI, NIA, and police filed multiple FIRs against us, we called the bandh to register our protest. Unfortunately, during this period, several anti-social elements misused the Arambai Tenggol name to engage in unwanted activities, including physical assaults. We are, therefore, relaxing the bandh from today.” He affirmed that the organization would continue democratic protests until Singh’s unconditional release.
However, despite Arambai Tenggol’s claims attributing the violence to “anti-social elements,” numerous viral videos from the past three days showed cadres widely believed to be members of the organization themselves running amok, setting vehicles on fire, erecting formidable road blockades, and issuing direct threats to army and other security forces.
Violent confrontations marked the bandh, with security forces firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds in areas like Khurai Lamlong and Tera. At least two Manipur Police personnel sustained injuries in Bishnupur’s Nambol area during confrontations with demonstrators. Further escalating the situation, a four-wheeler was reportedly torched, and unidentified gunmen fired at CRPF personnel in Imphal West on Monday, raising fears of a spiraling law-and-order crisis.
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In response to the unrest, the Manipur government swiftly imposed a curfew in Bishnupur and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the other four valley districts. Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, were suspended for five days starting Saturday night to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Khwairakpam reiterated Arambai Tenggol’s stance as a socio-cultural organization, denying allegations of it being an armed militia. “We are not an armed group. We are committed to uplifting our religion and protecting our land,” he asserted, claiming the group was compelled to defend Meitei communities against “illegal Kuki immigrants” during the ongoing ethnic conflict.
The unrest garnered political attention, with a delegation of 25 MLAs from various parties, including the BJP and Congress, meeting Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday. The Governor assured steps were being taken to restore normalcy. BJP MLA L. Ibomcha noted Singh’s arrest was related to a personal case, while Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar urged transparency to prevent further escalation.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also probing multiple cases against Arambai Tenggol’s chief, Korounganba Khuman, fueling speculation of further arrests. The group, which gained prominence during the ethnic clashes since May 2023, has been accused of evolving into a heavily armed militia, drawing comparisons to established insurgent groups like the United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
Normalcy began to return to Imphal on Tuesday morning, with residents resuming daily activities. The administration is reportedly planning to relax curfew restrictions following the bandh’s suspension. While the shutdown’s suspension offers a temporary reprieve, the deep-seated tensions in Manipur, exacerbated by ethnic conflicts and Arambai Tenggol’s controversial role, continue to pose significant challenges to achieving lasting peace.
