Following its recent meeting with the Governor, Arambai Tenggol has backed the government’s efforts in reopening National Highways, dismantling illegal bunkers, and fencing the Indo-Myanmar border.
BY PC Bureau
The valley-based armed group Arambai Tenggol has extended strong support for the recent measures taken by the Union and Manipur governments to restore peace and stability in the state. In a statement issued today, the group expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for addressing key concerns, including security, free movement, and anti-drug efforts.
The group acknowledged Amit Shah’s role in ensuring that critical steps were taken to bring normalcy back to Manipur following months of turmoil. The statement emphasized the significance of opening two key National Highways, a move that eases connectivity and the movement of essential goods and people across the state.
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Furthermore, Arambai Tenggol welcomed the expedited fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, which it sees as vital for safeguarding Manipur’s security. The group also endorsed the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking, a long-standing issue in the region, and backed the government’s commitment to making Manipur a drug-free state.
Another key point in the statement was the dismantling of illegal bunkers, which the group described as a necessary step toward restoring peace and security in conflict-affected areas.
Background of Arambai Tenggol and Their Demands
Arambai Tenggol is a valley-based Meitei militant group that rose to prominence following the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The group has played a major role in mobilizing Meitei youth and has been accused of attacks on rival ethnic communities during the conflict. Top commanders of the groups are being probed by the NIA , under Amit Sha-headed Home ministry, in cases of alleged loot of weapons and assault on security forces.
Meitei outfit Arambai Tengol surrenders arms after meeting #Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla. #ManipurViolence . pic.twitter.com/iiwWUQT6xG
— Prakash Adhikari (@prakash03374729) February 27, 2025
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In a recent meeting with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Arambai Tenggol submitted a memorandum listing several key demands, including:
- Unrestricted movement on National Highways to prevent economic blockades that disrupt supply chains.
- Strengthening border security by fencing the Indo-Myanmar border to curb illegal infiltration.
- An intensified crackdown on drug trafficking to prevent Manipur from becoming a transit hub for narcotics.
- Dismantling of all illegal bunkers to restore law and order in volatile regions.
- Greater autonomy for local security forces to handle internal security without excessive external intervention.
Following assurances from the Governor and the Home Minister, Arambai Tenggol surrendered arms in bulk.
The statement concluded with a call for unity in building a harmonious future for the state, stating,” Arambai Tenggol reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all initiatives that promote normalcy and stated that collaborative efforts between local stakeholders and the government are crucial for a peaceful and developed Manipur.
