Arrest of Arambai Tenggol leaders triggers violence in Manipur

Violence erupts in Manipur's Imphal Valley after arrest of Arambai Tenggol leaders, leading to clashes and curfews.

GUWAHATI Violence broke out across Manipur’s Imphal Valley, specifically in the State’s capital, Imphal, after the arrest of at least five leaders of Arambai Tenggol (AT), an armed Meitei radical group, on Saturday (June 7, 2025) evening.

The AT came to prominence after the ethnic violence between the non-tribal Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities broke out in the State on May 3, 2023.

Officials said large groups of people spilt out onto the streets throughout the night, burning tyres and old furniture to block the roads. At many places, mobs clashed with the security personnel, including stretches on the Airport Road where some vehicles of the security forces were torched.

Major incidents of violence were reported from Imphal’s Kwakeithel and Uripok areas. Scores of people, including security personnel, were injured.

“The situation eased after midnight. Things have been quiet from morning,” an Imphal West district official said.

Tension reigned across the five districts of Imphal Valley after the alleged disrespect of Manipur by security personnel on May 20 triggered a “civil disobedience campaign” by a pressure group. The campaign was suspended after floods hit the Valley more than a week ago.

The Valley plunged into chaos again from Saturday (June 7) evening after security forces arrested the five AT leaders, including A. Kanan Singh, a former Manipur Police head constable.