Now, Manipur's Arambai Tenggol writes to Governor, demands Border Fencing; Implementation of NRC with 1951 as base year; Deportation immigrants and even Abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) against Kuki militants

In a quite amazing development, Manipur's most controversial outfit Arambai Tenggol has written a letter to Governor Ajay Bhalla and demanded among other things that there should be Border Fencing and Implementation of NRC in the state with 1951 as the base year.

In a two-page document made available here, the organisation demanded deportation of all illegal immigrant to their native places; Abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) against Kuki militants. 

This organisation is a post-May 2023 phenomenon and has been described as a radical body or as a radicalised armed militia. 

It is also seen as a revivalist organisation that aims to reestablish the pre-Hindu, native Sanamahi religion among the Meiteis and allegedly enjoyed the patronage of powerful Netas.  

The letter signed by PRO of the organisation also claimed that it was being written on behalf of the people of Manipur and maintained that the "grievances need to be addressed". 

It said the ethnic conflict which erupted on 3rd May, 2023 has been continuing for the last more than one year resulting in the death, casualty of many lives and displacement of thousands of families of Meitei/Meetei community till date.

The demands also included abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) and stringent action against Soo violation Militants (meaning the Kukis).

It also sought complete destruction of Poppy Plantation, withdrawal of ST status from Illegal immigrants; No arrest or legal action against Village Volunteers including Arambai Tenggol by any Commission, Tribunal, Court etc.

It further stated that the ST status of Meiteis should be "reinstated".

"In view of the above circumstances, I humbly beseech you to kindly look into the matter and exert your pressure upon the concerned authority as well as the Government of India so that the ongoing conflict can be resolved at an early date," the letter said.

Even in January 2025 the muscle-flexing by the Arambai Tenggol was reported. In a move rife with symbolism, all the Meitei legislators from Manipur – 37 MLAs and two Members of Parliament, across party lines – were “summoned” by the Arambai Tenggol in 2024. 

The state Governor Bhalla has urged the youths to surrender arms by Feb 27 and indicated that after that adequate actions would be initiated by the authorities.  

"I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons & ammunition to the nearest Police Station/Outpost/Security Forces Camp within next seven days, with effect from today."

"Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace." the Governor has said. 

I want to assure you that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter (that is post-Feb 27th) strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons," the Governor said. 

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