Once seen as a cultural group, Arambai Tenggol is now facing serious allegations of criminal activity, including extortion and unlawful detentions.
PC Bureau
June 15 — Manipur Police on Sunday rescued 29‑year‑old Chesam Abdul Kadir, also known as Achouba, who had gone missing from Paobitek Mayai Leikai on the night of June 10. Three members of the Meitei socio‑cultural group Arambai Tenggol were arrested in connection with the abduction.
The arrested individuals are:
- Huidrom Somokanta Singh of Yumnam Huidrom Khunyai
- Huidrom Dipak Singh of Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai
- Thingujam Ranjit Singh of Yumnam Huidrom Khunyai Leikai
All three hail from Imphal West district and are alleged to be active members of Arambai Tenggol, specifically from Thiyam Leisangkhong.
On 15.05.2025, in follow up of a case registered in connection with the missing of one Chesam Abdul Kadar of Paobitek Mayai Leikai, Manipur Police arrested the following members of Arambai Tenggol (AT) of Thiyam Leisangkhong, Wangoi, Imphal West District:
i.Huidrom Somokanta…— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) June 15, 2025
They were produced before a magistrate and remanded to seven days in police custody. Police are carrying out raids are underway to apprehend other suspects involved in the case.
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Kadir’s disappearance led to the formation of a local Joint Action Committee (JAC), which filed a complaint at Wangoi Police Station and organized a public demonstration demanding swift action. The JAC had warned that failure to trace Kadir would result in widespread agitation.
Arambai Tenggol: A Shadow Over Civil Society
Although it projects itself as a Meitei cultural and protectionist group, Arambai Tenggol has been increasingly linked to serious criminal activities in recent months. Law enforcement agencies and civil society groups have accused the organization of running extortion rackets, orchestrating abductions, and intimidating dissenting voices across the Imphal valley.
The group gained notoriety during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, where it has been accused of acting as an armed vigilante outfit. Several reports have connected Arambai Tenggol to targeted attacks, unlawful detentions, and forcing businesses and individuals to pay protection money.
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Despite repeated denials by the group’s leadership, police investigations have led to multiple arrests of individuals tied to Arambai Tenggol in cases involving weapons possession, assault, and now abduction. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the group operating outside the bounds of law, contributing to instability and fear in conflict-hit Manipur.
The arrest of three members in the present case is being viewed as part of a broader crackdown on armed groups operating under the guise of cultural preservation.
