Manipur has once again flared up in protest against the arrest of five members of the Arambai Tenggol, including a senior leader allegedly involved in the recent violence. Thousands of people took to the streets across the Imphal Valley, setting public property and several vehicles on fire. Protesters pelted stones, bricks, and iron rods at security forces, injuring several personnel.
Some Meitei protesters even threatened self-immolation by pouring petrol on themselves in front of security forces. Clashes erupted wherever security forces tried to disperse the demonstrators. Government forces also made efforts to drive out the protesters from several locations.
To prevent the arrested militants from being flown to Guwahati, protesters set vehicles on fire on the road leading to the airport and blocked roads by burning tires. Several security vehicles were torched on the way to the airport. Many security personnel were injured in clashes at Kwakeithel and Uripok in Imphal.
Yesterday, the CBI arrested a top leader of the Arambai Tenggol at Imphal Airport and flew him to Guwahati. This extremist leader is reportedly involved in several murder, arson, and violent incidents during the Manipur unrest. A former police officer has also been arrested for his alleged involvement in the Manipur violence and the killings of Kukis.
Following the arrest and his transport to Guwahati, violent protests broke out in Imphal. One protester was seriously injured in these incidents. Meanwhile, members of various Meitei and Manipuri organizations have flooded social media with provocative, misleading, and communal comments, further worsening the situation.
As a result, the government has enforced curfew in five districts and suspended internet services for 10 days.