Six members of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol have been arrested for allegedly abducting and killing a Muslim man in Manipur. This follows widespread outrage over another assault by the group earlier this month.
BY PC Bureau
Suspected members of the radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol (AT) have been accused of abducting and killing a Muslim man in Manipur.
According to police reports, the AT cadres abducted Md. Nawash, 33, the son of Md. Leharuddin from Keirang Mayai Leikai (Heingang Police Station jurisdiction), from his home on January 14, 2025, for ransom.
His body was later found, and he was pronounced dead at Thoubal District Hospital. Reports said the Mulsim man was brutally assaluted and succumbed to his injuries.
In a statement on social media platform X, police announced the arrest of six AT members in connection with the incident. The arrested individuals are identified as:
1. Sagolsem Chingkheinganba Singh (25)
2. Chingakham Sanatomba Singh (19)
3. Sapam Somorjit Singh (32)
4. Maibam Bokenjit Singh (24)
5. Athokpam Jiban Singh (30)
6. Chingakham Mani Singh (41)
Earlier Assault on a Muslim Teen
In connection with an incident of abduction of one Md. Nawash, 33 years, S/o Md. Leharuddin of Keirang Mayai Leikai PS – Heingang from his house on 14.01.2025 for ransom by suspected members of AT, who was later brought dead today at Thoubal District hospital, Manipur Police has…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) January 16, 2025
ALSO READ: Tension In Imphal after Arambai Tenggol group attacks a Muslim boyÂ
This is the second reported case of violence by AT against a Muslim individual this month. On January 4, a viral video surfaced of 18-year-old Tampakmayum Aktar from Kwakta Ward No. 2, alleging brutal assault by the group’s Heingang Unit. Aktar claimed he was tied up, beaten, and forced to consume pork—an act violating his Islamic faith.
Aktar recounted that he was accused of molesting a Meitei colleague, Jenita, leading to his summoning by the group. He alleged that AT leader Korounganba Khuman pierced his hands with nails during the assault and accused the Muslim community of plotting to undermine Meitei culture.
Manipur :
Mr. Tampakmayum Aktar, 18 yrs old Muslim boy was tortured by Arambai Tenggol militants on 4th Jan 2025. He was reportedly tied up, beaten, and forced to eat pork, violating his religious beliefs.@AIMPLB_Official @MilitantTracker@Kahlisseehttps://t.co/PN6qyxq0lR… pic.twitter.com/Hygfy4yO14— Ravinder Kapur. (@RavinderKapur2) January 9, 2025
Conflicting Accounts
Aktar explained the incident arose from a misunderstanding. He claimed his casual workplace interactions with Jenita were misinterpreted after a joke about liking her. However, Jenita alleged that Aktar had proposed to her and behaved inappropriately when rejected, prompting her to file an FIR at Lamphel police station.
Rise of Arambai Tenggol
Arambai Tenggol, describing itself as a “village defense volunteer” group, was formed in response to ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which escalated in May 2023. Both sides have faced accusations of human rights violations.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing cases linked to AT’s leader, Korounganba Khuman, who has been implicated in anti-social activities, including civilian assaults and theft. The group claims its actions are a response to alleged Kuki militant aggression in the region.
Broader Arrests and Seizures
In a separate operation, Manipur Police on January 14 arrested two active members of the KCP (PWG) from Imphal West District. The individuals, identified as Khangembam Sanaton Singh (51) and Thokchom Tiken Singh (43), were allegedly involved in extortion activities. Items recovered included mobile phones, Aadhaar cards, a four-wheeler, and cash.
