IMPHAL: A day after violent protests erupted in Manipur over the arrest of Kanan Singh, leader of Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, the situation remained tense on Sunday with the administration imposing prohibitory orders and suspending internet services in five Imphal valley districts, police said.
Four other members of the group were also picked up, reportedly for questioning. When security forces went to take Singh into custody on Saturday night, they faced resistance from Arambai Tenggol members.
As a preventive measure, prohibitory orders have been clamped in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, while internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, have been suspended in these valley areas.
No official reason has been given for the arrest. Without mentioning any name, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it arrested an Arambai Tenggol member at the Imphal Airport on Sunday.
“He was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. The information related to his arrest has been given to his family members,” the federal agency said in a statement.
The statement further stated that the CBI is investigating Manipur violence cases as per the direction of the Supreme Court. The trial of the cases has been shifted to Guwahati in view of the law and order situation in Manipur.
“The said arrested member of Arambai Tenggol has been brought from Imphal to Guwahati, and he will be produced before the competent court for police remand. Investigation is underway,” the statement added.
A delegation of MLAs from various parties met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday.
Later, the Raj Bhavan in a statement said that during a discussion, the MLAs apprised the Governor of the current law and order situation in the state and requested his intervention to help find an amicable solution.
Protesters torched tyres and old furniture on roads in Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the release of the Meitei leader. They clashed with security forces at different places in the state capital on Saturday night. A mob also set a bus on fire at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district.
Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters in front of Kangla Gate, nearly 200 metres away from the Raj Bhavan here.
Security has been strengthened along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan with additional deployment of central forces.
In view of the protests in the restive northeastern state, an order issued by the district magistrate of Imphal West stated that the "superintendent of police in Imphal West... has reported serious breach to peace, disturbance to public tranquillity, riot or affray in the area, and grave danger to human lives and properties due to unlawful activities of anti-social elements."
The district administration banned the assembly of five or more people and the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms, or sharp weapons under sub-section 2 of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Similar preventive measures were clamped in Thoubal and Kakching districts, the police said.
In Imphal East and Bishnupur districts, people have been prohibited from stepping outside their residences from 10 pm on Saturday, until further orders under sub-section 1 of section 163 of the BNSS.
"Violent protests broke out after the arrest of a leader of Arambai Tenggol. Three people have been injured in the clash with agitators and personnel. All preventive measures are in place," a police officer said.
Internet services have also been suspended in the five valley districts for five days from 11.45 pm on Saturday.
An order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, said, "...in view of prevailing law and order situation especially in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passion of the public which might have serious repercussions of law and order situation in the state."
The order was passed ex parte in view of the emergent situation, and "any person found guilty for violation of the aforesaid order will be liable for legal actions", it said.
In Kwakeithel, several gunshots were heard, but it could not be ascertained who fired the shots.
Protesters also gheraoed the Imphal airport gate at Tulihal after the arrest of the Arambai Tenggol leader. They took to the streets along the airport and blocked a thoroughfare to prevent any possible attempt to take the arrested leader outside of the state.
Elsewhere, members of Arambai Tenggol poured petrol over themselves in symbolic protests against the arrest.
Meanwhile, Arambai Tenggol called for a 10-day shutdown. The group had played a prominent role in the recent ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribes, which left over 250 dead and displaced around 60,000.
On Sunday, roads in Imphal Valley were largely deserted as shops and markets stayed shut. Only vehicles belonging to security forces and emergency services were seen on the streets.
(With inputs from PTI)
