Manipur is once again facing heightened tensions following the arrest of a leader from the Meitei outfit, Arambai Tenggol, leading to widespread protests and subsequent government action. As a result, internet services have been suspended in five districts, and a curfew has been imposed in the Bishnupur district.
The recent unrest was triggered by the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol (AT) leader, although official confirmation on the leader's identity and the specific charges remains unconfirmed. Protests erupted on Saturday night, June 7, 2025, in Imphal East and Imphal West, with demonstrators taking to the streets to demand the release of the arrested leader. Reports indicate that protesters blocked roads using burning tires and furniture in areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok.
In response to the escalating situation, the Manipur government has taken several measures to maintain law and order. Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, have been suspended for five days in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, effective from 11:45 pm on June 7. The government fears that anti-social elements could exploit social media platforms to disseminate inflammatory content, hate speech, and provocative images or videos, which could further incite public unrest and disrupt communal harmony.
An indefinite curfew has also been imposed in the Bishnupur district, while orders prohibiting the assembly of four or more persons have been implemented in Kakching, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Imphal West. These measures aim to prevent further protests and maintain peace in the affected areas. Additional security forces have been deployed to control the situation and prevent any escalation of violence.
The current unrest coincides with intensified security operations in the region. Police have confirmed the arrest of three militants from banned groups, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK). Search operations in multiple districts have also led to the recovery of weapons, IEDs, and mortars.
Manipur has been grappling with ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, resulting in over 260 lives lost. The state government has been struggling to maintain law and order amid deep divisions and mutual distrust between the communities. The recent events have further exacerbated the already tense environment.
The Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei outfit, has been accused by Kuki tribes of attacking their villages during the peak of the ethnic clashes. Some protesters claim that the AT handed over illegal and looted weapons following Governor AK Bhalla's order and are now unarmed, based on security guarantees provided by authorities. They are also demanding the arrest of Kuki insurgents allegedly attacking Meitei villages under the guise of "village volunteers".
Conversely, the Kuki tribes are protesting the arrest of a suspect from their community in the border town of Moreh, who is accused of killing a police officer with a sniper rifle in October 2023. Kuki civil society groups have alleged "arbitrary arrest" and called for a shutdown in the Tengnoupal district.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently investigating several cases in Manipur, including those against AT chief Korounganba Khuman for offenses such as looting weapons and abduction and assault of police officers.
As the situation unfolds, the Manipur government faces the challenge of restoring peace and preventing further escalation of violence. The internet ban and curfew aim to control the spread of misinformation and prevent unlawful assembly. However, addressing the underlying issues of ethnic tensions, ensuring justice, and fostering dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities are crucial for long-term stability in the region.
