Indefinite Curfew Imposed in Manipur Amid Rising Tensions

In Manipur, an indefinite curfew has been enforced following the arrest of Kanan Meitei, the leader of the armed group Arambai Tenggol. This has triggered significant protests across the region, with demonstrators demanding his release. The situation escalated with the suspension of internet services and police intervention to disperse crowds. The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements, raising concerns about the stability in the area. The National Investigation Agency is investigating the group's activities, adding to the tension. Read on for a detailed overview of the unfolding events.
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Indefinite Curfew Imposed in Manipur Amid Rising Tensions

Curfew and Internet Suspension in Manipur

An indefinite curfew was enacted on Saturday night in Bishnupur district of Manipur, alongside restrictions on gatherings of five or more individuals in Kakching, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Imphal West. This action followed the arrest of a member from the armed Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol, in Imphal West.


In response to the escalating situation, internet services were halted across the five districts, all situated in the Meitei-dominated valley region of the state.


Arrest of Arambai Tenggol Leader Sparks Protests

A collaborative operation by the National Investigation Agency and local police led to the arrest of Kanan Meitei, identified as the 'army chief' of Arambai Tenggol, in Imphal West. Following this, numerous residents gathered in the Kwakithel area, attempting to prevent the police from taking him into custody.


To disperse the crowd, law enforcement resorted to firing shots.


Demonstrators also set tires ablaze and obstructed roads in various parts of Imphal, including the Tiddim road and Uripok areas, demanding the immediate release of Kanan Meitei.


Background of Ethnic Violence in Manipur

The Arambai Tenggol group has been accused of inciting violence against the tribal Kuki-Zo community since the onset of ethnic conflicts in Manipur in May 2023, resulting in over 260 fatalities and displacing more than 59,000 individuals.


The National Investigation Agency is currently investigating the alleged involvement of Arambai Tenggol's leader, Korounganba Khuman, in two incidents involving an attack on security forces and the looting of arms from a Manipur Rifles battalion on November 1, 2023.


Recent Developments and Reactions

On February 27, the Arambai Tenggol group surrendered 246 weapons to security forces, marking the largest collection of illegally held arms returned in Manipur since the conflict began. However, two Kuki-Zomi organizations, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum and the Committee on Tribal Unity, criticized this act, labeling it as a strategy to gain sympathy and legitimacy.


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