Manipur remains tense a day after violent protests broke out following the arrest of a leader of the Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol. On Sunday, the state administration imposed strict restrictions in five districts of the Imphal valley and suspended internet and mobile data services, including VPN and VSAT, to prevent further unrest.
Protesters poured petrol on themselves in a symbolic act against the arrest. In areas like Kwakeithel and Uripok, people set tyres and old furniture on fire to block roads and demanded the leader’s release. Clashes between protesters and security forces were reported in several parts of Imphal on Saturday night. A bus was also set on fire by a mob at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East.
Security has been tightened around sensitive locations, including roads leading to the Raj Bhavan, with extra central forces deployed.
In Imphal West, the district administration banned gatherings of five or more people and carrying of weapons under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Imphal East imposed a curfew, preventing people from stepping out of their homes from 10 PM Saturday until further notice under Section 163(1) of BNSS.
Police reported gunshots being heard in Kwakeithel, though it’s unclear who fired them. Protesters also gathered at the Imphal airport in Tulihal, blocking the roads to stop authorities from possibly moving the arrested leader out of the state.
A senior police officer said, “Violent protests broke out after the arrest of a leader of Arambai Tenggol. All preventive measures are in place.”
Authorities remain on high alert to maintain law and order in the conflict-hit region.
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