five-meitei-men-held-in-manipur-for-assault-kidnapping

Five members of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol have been arrested in Manipur for their alleged involvement in separate incidents of kidnapping and attacking police personnel, officials confirmed on Monday. Three individuals were detained on Sunday in connection with the abduction of Chesam Abdul Kadar from Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. The arrested suspects were produced before a district court on Monday and remanded to seven days in police custody. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects involved in the case.

 

In a separate incident, another member of Arambai Tenggol was arrested on June 12 for allegedly assaulting a senior police officer and another personnel during a protest at Nambol Bazar in Bishnupur district on June 9. The police were injured while attempting to disperse protesters supporting a bandh called by the outfit.

 

A fifth member was taken into custody on June 13 in connection with the same protest.

 

The arrests come amid mounting tensions in Manipur, where protests have flared despite prohibitory orders in place across the Imphal valley. Demonstrators have clashed with security forces while demanding the unconditional release of Arambai Tenggol leader Kanan Singh and four other detained members.

 

Also read: Manipur: Forces recover 328 arms in major crackdown

 

Authorities have appealed to the public — particularly the youth — to refrain from unlawful acts, warning that such actions could have serious legal and career consequences.

 

Manipur remains gripped by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023 and has since claimed over 260 lives, displacing thousands. The unrest prompted the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

 

The state assembly remains under suspended animation, though its term officially continues until 2027.

 

As the violence persists and security operations continue, the situation in Manipur remains fragile, with law enforcement under pressure to restore order and prevent further escalation.

 

Also read: Manipur eases curbs on movement of people as situation improves