Manipur Tensions Rise as Arambai Tenggol Suspends Bandh Amid Unrest
Temporary Suspension of Bandh in Manipur
Imphal, June 10: Following heightened tensions in Manipur due to the detention of a prominent leader from the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, the organization has decided to temporarily lift its 10-day bandh, which was initiated three days prior as a form of protest.
Robin Mangang Khwairakpam, the Public Relations Officer for the group, stated during a press conference that the decision to ease the bandh came after a significant internal discussion.
“We initiated the bandh to voice our dissent after the CBI, NIA, and police filed multiple FIRs against us. Unfortunately, during this time, some anti-social elements exploited the Arambai Tenggol name to engage in inappropriate actions, including physical violence. Therefore, we are suspending the bandh effective immediately,” he explained.
Khwairakpam emphasized that this suspension does not indicate a retreat from their broader movement.
The organization will persist with peaceful protests until their detained leader, Kanan Singh, is released without conditions.
He also reaffirmed Arambai Tenggol’s identity as a socio-cultural entity, rejecting claims that it operates as an armed group.
“We are not an armed organization. Our focus is on promoting our culture and safeguarding our land. However, we felt compelled to defend ourselves after illegal Kuki immigrants attacked us,” he asserted.
Khwairakpam urged the community to come together to maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur.
This announcement follows renewed unrest in the Imphal valley triggered by the arrest. On Monday, clashes erupted in various districts as protestors ignored curfew restrictions.
Additionally, unidentified gunmen fired upon CRPF personnel in the Tera area of Imphal West, raising concerns about a worsening law and order situation.
So far, at least 21 individuals have sustained injuries in the clashes, and officials warn that the number could increase if tensions continue.
Security forces are on high alert, with additional personnel deployed to sensitive areas throughout the valley.