Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Jun 8: Tensions soared in Manipur’s capital city Imphal on Saturday night as a group of young men poured petrol over themselves and threatened to set themselves on fire following the arrest of Kanan Singh, a key leader of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), a volunteer group from the Meitei community accused of involvement in ethnic clashes.

Protests erupted with demonstrators blocking roads and burning tyres, while some locals reported gunfire sounds. Visuals showed men in black t-shirts holding petrol bottles, with one shouting, "We have given up arms... Now you're arresting us. We will kill ourselves."

Kanan Singh, once a suspended police head constable, is the prime suspect in the February 2024 attack and kidnapping of Additional Superintendent of Police Moirangthem Amit. After suspension over dereliction of duty, he joined AT.

In response, authorities imposed a curfew and cut internet services for five days across five districts including Imphal West and East.

The protests reference AT’s earlier surrender of firearms in February under Governor AK Bhalla’s directive for illegal weapon handovers amid President’s rule. AT members were also involved in recent flood relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continues probing cases involving the AT chief Korounganba Khuman.

This unrest coincides with Kuki tribes’ protests over the arrest of Kamgingthang Gangte, a suspected insurgent leader linked to the killing of a Manipur police officer in October 2023. Gangte is said to belong to the Kuki National Army (KNA), which has a suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with the government but faces accusations of violations.

Ethnic divisions complicate law enforcement efforts as police face resistance from both Meitei and Kuki communities when arresting suspects.

The AT describes itself as a cultural organisation turned “village volunteers” due to poor law enforcement amid May 2023 ethnic violence, claiming Kuki militants attacked Meitei foothill villages. Kuki groups label AT a radical militia targeting their villages, pointing to a cycle of retaliatory violence involving assault rifles, mortars, sniper rifles, and drones.

The conflict has revived previously dormant militant groups, including banned Meitei factions such as PLA, KYKL, and KCP, returning from Myanmar. Meanwhile, Kuki tribes maintain umbrella groups KNO and UPF overseeing nearly two dozen insurgent outfits under SoO agreements.

The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has tragically claimed over 260 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people. The volatile situation continues to test peace efforts in the border state.