Violence Erupts in Manipur After Arrest of Meitei Group Leader
Fresh violence erupted across Manipur’s Imphal Valley following the arrest of Kanan Singh, a former head constable and a prominent leader of the armed Meitei radical group, Arambai Tenggol. Singh was taken into custody by security forces on June 7, 2025, for his alleged involvement in the ethnic clashes that occurred in the state in 2023.
Clashes broke out between members of Arambai Tenggol and security personnel during the arrest operation. Supporters of the group protested by burning tires and barricading roads with old furniture. Vehicles belonging to security forces were set on fire on Airport Road, resulting in injuries to many individuals, including security personnel.
In response to the violence, the Manipur government imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Internet and mobile data services were suspended in five districts of the Imphal Valley: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal, for five days.
The Arambai Tenggol group, which gained prominence during the 2023 Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict, responded with a 10-day shutdown across the affected districts. Some youths reportedly threatened self-immolation; however, by morning, the valley appeared largely deserted.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed Singh’s arrest at Imphal Airport, stating that he is being brought to Guwahati for remand and investigation under the direction of the Supreme Court. Additionally, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced the arrest of three insurgents in a separate case related to a deadly attack on security forces in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, in January 2024.
Manipur has remained unstable since the ethnic violence began in May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and around 60,000 people displaced. Political leaders and the Governor have held talks to seek a peaceful solution, but unrest continues to challenge stability in the region.
