Tensions surge in Manipur after alleged Arambai Tenggol arrests; internet blackout, curfew in place

What happened in Manipur on Saturday night?

Manipur‘s valley districts descended into chaos late Saturday evening after local unrest erupted over the reported arrest of five members of Arambai Tenggol, a prominent Meitei youth organisation. Protesters gathered in parts of Imphal shortly after 2:30 pm on Saturday, reportedly in reaction to alleged detentions carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The Manipur state government responded swiftly by imposing a five-day suspension of mobile internet and data services in five districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching—starting from 11:45 pm IST. A curfew was declared in Bishnupur district, while prohibitory orders banning assemblies of five or more people were implemented in the remaining areas.

Why did protests erupt in Imphal?

Local sources indicated that five volunteers from Arambai Tenggol, including one believed to be a group commander, were taken into custody around 2:30 pm on Saturday. Although no official statement has been issued by the National Investigation Agency, widespread reports of the arrests quickly spread via word-of-mouth and messaging platforms, prompting a surge of protest activity across Imphal.

By evening, crowds began converging at various points, particularly in Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the immediate release of the individuals. Protesters set fire to tyres and furniture in the streets, leading to violent clashes with local police forces. At the Kwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West, demonstrators attempted to storm the station. Police fired several warning rounds to disperse the crowd.

At least three individuals—including two journalists and one civilian—were injured during the confrontation, as confirmed by local authorities.

What is Arambai Tenggol and why is it at the center of tensions?

Arambai Tenggol is a socio-cultural youth collective predominantly composed of Meitei members. It has been active in community mobilization across the valley regions of Manipur and played a controversial role during previous episodes of ethnic unrest, particularly between Meitei and Kuki communities.

While the group claims to promote cultural identity and heritage preservation, it has frequently been flagged by civil society groups and human rights observers as contributing to ethnic polarization. Following the 2023 communal violence that rocked Manipur, Arambai Tenggol’s activities have been under increased scrutiny.

Saturday’s alleged arrests, whether confirmed or not, reignited longstanding concerns about community representation, law enforcement overreach, and potential targeting of Meitei groups by central agencies.

How have authorities responded to the unrest?

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Manipur Home Department issued directives late Saturday night to suspend all forms of mobile internet, VPN, and VSAT services for five days in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The government’s move was officially aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and preventing further escalation through social media.

A full curfew has been enforced in Bishnupur district, where protests turned most aggressive. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have also been enacted in four other districts. Additional security personnel, including paramilitary forces, were deployed overnight to sensitive locations across the valley. Checkpoints were erected on arterial roads, and aerial surveillance was initiated to monitor public gatherings.

State police confirmed these restrictions through verified social media handles and warned that violations would result in strict legal consequences.

What is the recent history of conflict in Manipur?

Manipur has been on edge since May 2023, when violent ethnic clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities following disputes over Scheduled Tribe status and land ownership rights. Over 180 people were killed, and thousands displaced in one of the worst communal flare-ups in the state’s history.

Although intermittent calm returned by late 2024, a fragile peace has prevailed. Periodic triggers—including arrests, vigilante actions, and perceived bias in administrative decisions—have reignited tensions. Arambai Tenggol and other Meitei groups have remained in the spotlight throughout this period, both as community mobilizers and as alleged contributors to unrest.

Saturday’s incident appears to fit this broader pattern, wherein unilateral law enforcement actions have sparked immediate street-level reactions in a deeply polarized environment.

Has there been any official confirmation of the arrests?

As of 8:00 AM IST on Sunday, neither the National Investigation Agency nor the Manipur State Police have publicly confirmed the identity of the five alleged detainees. However, police acknowledged on record that curfew orders and internet suspensions were issued in anticipation of potential unrest tied to “developments involving community groups.”

Local political observers noted that the timing of the operation—occurring just ahead of a politically sensitive week in the Northeast—may also have contributed to the rapid escalation.

The administration under President’s Rule in Manipur has urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Community leaders across Imphal have called for peace and asked demonstrators to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.

What has been the public and political reaction so far?

Public sentiment across the valley remains mixed. While many residents support decisive state action to prevent violence, others—particularly from the Meitei community—have expressed concern over what they perceive as selective targeting.

Leaders from the Kuki community have reiterated their previous warnings about groups like Arambai Tenggol inciting majoritarian aggression, calling on the Union Home Ministry to conduct an impartial investigation. In contrast, some Meitei civil society groups have demanded the immediate release of the five volunteers, warning that continued detentions could worsen community relations.

There has been no statement from Raj Bhavan or central administrators overseeing Manipur under President’s Rule. With the state government currently suspended, political appeals are being routed directly to central authorities. Several opposition leaders have called for an all-party meeting and are reportedly preparing to approach the Union Home Minister for immediate intervention to restore public trust and prevent further deterioration of law and order.

Are additional security or legal measures expected?

Security officials confirmed on Sunday morning that more paramilitary reinforcements are expected to arrive in Manipur by late evening. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been briefed, and coordination between state and central agencies is ongoing.

Legal experts say that any arrests by the National Investigation Agency will have to be placed under public scrutiny through formal charges or judicial remand processes if extended detention is sought. Local advocates have already begun preparing habeas corpus petitions in anticipation of delayed disclosures.

The imposition of repeated internet shutdowns in Manipur has also drawn criticism from digital rights groups, who argue that blanket bans violate proportionality and due process under Indian telecom law.

What could happen next in Manipur?

The security situation currently across Imphal Valley remains tense but stable. Public gatherings are being monitored, and no fresh incidents of violence have been reported since early morning. However, a prolonged absence of communication coupled with curfews risks further alienating communities already on edge.

Analysts warn that unless the state government issues a clear public statement confirming or denying the arrests, public speculation will continue to fuel agitation. Civic mediation efforts are underway, led by local religious leaders and neutral tribal elders, in hopes of brokering a ceasefire in rhetoric and response.

Whether this episode will escalate or defuse depends largely on the transparency of legal processes, the credibility of official communication, and the restraint shown by both state forces and youth collectives over the next 48 hours.