Protest over Manipur arrest triggers state clampdown; forces use tear gas, fire shots to deter agitators | Guwahati News

GUWAHATI: Manipur govt has imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in five valley districts following violent protests over the apprehension of a leader of the Meitei radical group, Arambai Tenggol. The restrictions came into effect Saturday night. A total curfew was enforced in Bishnupur district, while the other four districts —Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, and Thoubal — issued prohibitory orders limiting gatherings to below five people and banning weapons and firearms. These measures were implemented under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it arrested the leader of the Meitei radical group, Kanan Singh, at Imphal Airport on Sunday for his alleged involvement in multiple criminal activities linked to the 2023 Manipur violence. The CBI brought him to Guwahati, where cases related to the conflict are being tried. Tensions rose across the Valley districts, especially in Imphal East and Imphal West, after reports of Singh’s apprehension and subsequent arrest emerged. Arambai Tenggol called for a 10-day bandh, worsening tensions as incidents of arson, vandalism, and clashes with security forces were reported on Saturday night. On Sunday, Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla held a security review meeting with senior administrative and security officials, including security advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, commissioner (home), and senior officers from IGAR (south), CRPF, and state police. Discussions focused on the current law-and-order crisis and containment measures. Meanwhile, 25 MLAs from various political parties met with governor Bhalla at Raj Bhavan on Sunday. “During the 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. The Governor informed the delegation that all necessary steps are being taken to address the concerns and to restore normalcy,” stated a media release by Raj Bhawan, Manipur, on Sunday. Despite prohibitory orders, protests intensified late Saturday night, with demonstrators burning tyres, setting a bus on fire, and digging up roads in Imphal East and Imphal West to block security force movements. Agitations were also held in Jiribam district, bordering Assam. Near Kangla Gate, close to the Raj Bhavan, security forces used tear gas and fired warning shots after near-clashes with protesters. Some demonstrators poured petrol on themselves, threatening self-immolation if Singh was not released. Internet services were suspended in the five valley districts from 11.45pm on Saturday. An order issued by commissioner-cum-secretary (home) N Ashok Kumar stated, “In view of the 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 the transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passion of the public, which might have serious repercussions on the law and order situation in the state of Manipur.” Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN services, were suspended in the territorial jurisdiction of the five districts, except for cases where the state govt exempts and allows for whitelisting. The situation was slowly returning to normalcy in Manipur after the Centre imposed President’s Rule on Feb 13, following chief minister N Biren Singh’s resignation. The state assembly is currently under suspended animation. Over 260 people were killed, and thousands remain in relief camps. The ethnic conflict between Kukis and Meiteis began in May 2023.