Tension spread in Manipur on Saturday night when unconfirmed reports of the arrest of the five volunteers of Arambai Tenggol, an organization of the Maetai community, came to light. The incident led to violent demonstrations in the Imphal Valley, due to which the administration suspended internet and mobile data services in five districts and implemented curfew in Bishnupur district.
10 key things
1. Rumors of arrest: On Saturday afternoon at around 2:30 pm, reports of the arrest of five volunteers of Arambai Tenggol were spread by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), although the administration did not officially confirm this.
2. Violent Demonstration: Protesters at Quakethel, Imphal West burnt tires on the streets and demanded the release of the leader of the Metai organization. The sound of about 50 rounds of bullets was also heard.
3. Internet services suspended: The Manipur government suspended the Internet and Mobile Data Services for five days in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thobal, Bishupur and Kakching districts from 11:45 pm on Saturday night.
4. Curfew and Ban: Curfew was implemented in Bishnupur district, while prohibitory orders prohibiting the gathering of more than five people in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thulbal and Kakching were issued.
5. Administration response: Additional security forces have been deployed in stressed areas to bring the situation under control. However, no official information has been given about the name of the arrested leader or the allegations against him.
6. Update on social media: Manipur police shared information about internet suspension, curfew and prohibitory orders on social media platform x at 2 am on Sunday.
7. Maetai-Mukki Tension: Arambai Tenggol has been accused of attacking the first cookie villages. Since May 2023 in Manipur, more than 260 people have been killed and 60,000 people have been killed in ethnic violence between Maetai and Cookie-communities.
8. Political status: President’s rule is in force in Manipur since February 2023, when Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. Recently 44 MLAs have demanded the formation of a popular government.
9. Social response: The protesters attacked the police post and set fire to the streets. There was no violence in Moreh, bordering the Myanmar border, but there is also high alert.
10. The upcoming meeting: Representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday will discuss the suspension operation (SOO) agreement with the militant groups, which can affect the status of Manipur.
Since May 2023 in Manipur, ethnic violence between Maetai and Cookie-communities has destroyed the state. There was a decrease in violence in recent months, but this incident has once again given tension to tension. The Manipur administration has appealed to the people to maintain peace and ignore rumors. The deployment of security forces has been increased to monitor the situation.
