Curfew and Internet Shutdown Imposed in Manipur After Arrests of Radical Group Leaders

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Getty Image

Authorities in India's northeastern state of Manipur have imposed curfews and suspended internet services in several districts following renewed unrest sparked by the arrest of five leaders from Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei group.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed the arrest of Asem Kanan Singh, the group’s chief, at Imphal airport on Saturday. Singh, along with four other leaders, was detained in connection with various criminal activities linked to the ongoing ethnic violence that erupted in the state in 2023. The CBI has since transferred the trial to Guwahati, Assam, citing the fragile law and order situation in Manipur.

Following the arrests, widespread protests broke out in Imphal. Demonstrators stormed a police post, torched a public bus, and blocked key roads across the city. In some areas, clashes erupted between protesters and security forces. According to The Hindustan Times, a 13-year-old boy was injured after security personnel fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse crowds.

The government has imposed an indefinite curfew in one district and banned public gatherings of more than four people in several others. Internet and mobile data services have been suspended for five days in five districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb further violence.

Arambai Tenggol, which claims to be a social organization with strong support from the Meitei community, has since called for a 10-day shutdown across parts of the state.

State lawmaker Okram Surjakumar described the situation as chaotic, attributing the escalation to the arrests. Meanwhile, opposition parties have strongly criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its handling of the crisis.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi publicly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaction and accused him of failing to meet with Manipur representatives or take adequate steps toward peace.

“The prime minister has a responsibility to ensure peace and security for all citizens. To step back from this is to turn away from one’s duty,” Gandhi said in a statement on X.

A multi-party delegation of lawmakers met with the state governor on Sunday, with BJP MLA Kh Ibomcha stating that the group requested the release of the detained leaders after due police interrogation.

More than 250 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced since ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in 2023 over land rights and political influence. Earlier this year, the Indian federal government imposed direct rule on the state following the resignation of the chief minister under mounting pressure.

The situation remains tense as the state braces for further unrest in the coming days.