Fresh violence erupted after reports claimed the arrest of a leader from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol.
Police did not disclose the identity of the arrested individual or the charges against him, reports suggested that the leader is Kanan Singh.
Following the arrest of a leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol on Saturday night, tensions and protests erupted in several areas across five valley districts.
Fresh violence and heightened tensions have gripped several valley districts of Manipur, leading to the imposition of a total curfew and suspension of internet services in many areas. The unrest erupted on Saturday night following reports of the arrest of a leader and a few other members of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol.
The protesters torched tyres and old furniture in the middle of the roads, gheraoed the airport entrance, and clashed with security forces, demanding the release of the leader. Some of them even attempted self-immolation in Imphal. The situation remained tense on Sunday.
Demonstrators also gathered outside the Imphal airport gate at Tulihal, following unconfirmed reports that the arrested leader was to be flown out of the state. Protesters blocked the airport road, even sleeping on it overnight, in a bid to stop any attempt to move the leader out of Manipur.
Protesters clashed with security forces at multiple locations across the state capital on Saturday night. In Imphal East district’s Khurai Lamlong area, an enraged mob set a bus on fire. At Kwakeithel, several gunshots were heard, though it remains unclear who fired them.
A total curfew has been imposed in Bishnupur district, while prohibitory orders restricting the assembly of five or more people have been enforced in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching.
Internet services have been suspended for five days in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, as police anticipate attempts to incite violence online.
A viral video purportedly shows BJP Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on the street speaking to security personnel. “We tried very hard to bring peace. If you do such things, how will peace prevail? Arrest me along with the MLA I’m here with,” he is heard saying in the video.
Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the agitated crowd. One casualty has been reported, allegedly due to a lathi charge by the forces. Additional personnel have been deployed in the restive areas to bring the situation under control, and security has been enhanced along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan.
Arambai Tenggol has announced a ten-day total shutdown in the valley districts starting today, as it prepares to intensify its protest. The Meitei organisation, which began as a cultural revivalist group, has since evolved into a controversial militia-like force involved in the ethnic violence.
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