Violent protests erupted in Imphal city with hundreds of demonstrators blocking major roads using burning tyres, wooden planks, and other debris. Tensions escalated across the valley districts of Manipur following the arrest of Asem Kanan, a member of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Guwahati, on Sunday.
In a press release, CBI said: “Kanan was arrested on Sunday at Imphal airport for his involvement in various criminal activities linked to the 2023 Manipur violence. His family has been informed of the arrest.”The statement also mentioned that CBI is investigating cases related to the Manipur violence as per the directive of the Supreme Court of India. “Due to the prevailing law-and-order situation, the trial of these cases has been shifted from Manipur to Guwahati,” it said.nCBI further confirmed that Kanan has been transported to Guwahati and will be produced before a competent court for police remand.
According to police officials familiar with the matter, Kanan was arrested along with four other Arambai Tenggol members on Saturday from Imphal. However, the CBI’s official statement confirmed only the arrest of Kanan. Meanwhile, violent protests erupted in Imphal city. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked major roads using burning tyres, wooden planks, and other debris. Security forces fired tear gas shells, mock bombs, and live rounds to disperse the crowds. Amid the chaos, a 13-year-old boy sustained serious injuries to his leg, reportedly from a tear gas shell explosion. He was evacuated to a nearby hospital. From Saturday evening to 5.30 pm Sunday, at least 11 people were reported injured in connection with the unrest, with the situation continuing to deteriorate in the evening.
Security forces have been deployed at key locations across Imphal, including Palace Compound in Imphal East, and Keishampat Bridge, Moirangkhom, and Tiddim Road stretching up to Imphal airport in Imphal West. The state has imposed an internet shutdown across valley districts. The Arambai Tenggol on Saturday announced a 10-day statewide shutdown demanding the unconditional release of the arrested volunteers. Additionally, a women’s group from Khurai in Imphal East issued a stern warning, demanding that “all MLAs currently outside the state return to Imphal and form a new popular government by 6 pm on June 10.” The group declared that any MLA who fails to return by the deadline will not be allowed to re-enter the state.
As of 5.30 pm Sunday, the situation remained highly volatile in the valley districts, with security on high alert and public anger mounting. Meanwhile, a multi-party delegation of over 25 legislators and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday to raise concerns over the law and order situation in the state and seek urgent intervention.
People familiar with the matter said the delegation included legislators from the BJP, NPP, and the Congress, and they urged the Governor to push for the unconditional release of the arrested Arambai Tenggol members. A statement issued by the Raj Bhavan in Imphal said, “Today, a group of MLAs called on the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan during which the MLAs apprised the Governor of the current law and order situation and requested his intervention to help find an amicable solution.” The Governor assured the delegation that “all necessary steps are being taken to address the concerns and to restore normalcy,” it added.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BJP MLA and spokesperson L. Ibomcha said that Arambai Tenggol’s army chief, identified as Asem Kanan, was arrested by CBI in connection with a personal case. The remaining four members were detained by state police as they were present during Kanan’s arrest. “The Governor assured the delegation that he is not against Arambai Tenggol and acknowledged the group’s role in supporting the administration during the recent flood crisis,” Ibomcha said, adding that four of the detainees would be released after a thorough background check.
Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar, who was also part of the delegation, said, “The arrest of five Arambai Tenggol members has thrown the state into chaos. Curfews have been imposed, internet services are suspended, and blockades have emerged at multiple locations.” Surjakumar also stressed the need for transparency. “If the government plans to arrest someone, there must be a public clarification. We must remain united and focus on restoring peace in the state,” he said. According to both the Governor and the state’s security advisor, only one of the five detainees is currently linked to a CBI investigation and the remaining four are undergoing preliminary background checks by local police, and are expected to be released if no connections are found, said the Congress MLA.
Meanwhile, Governor Bhalla on Sunday also chaired a high-level security review meeting at Raj Bhavan. An official statement released via the Raj Bhavan’s X (formerly Twitter) said, “Hon’ble Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a high-level security review meeting at Raj Bhavan. Senior officials, including the Security Advisor, DGP, ADGP (Law & Order), IGAR (South), IG CRPF, and others, discussed various aspects of the current law-and-order situation and reviewed coordinated measures being undertaken to ensure peace and stability in the state.”
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh voiced deep concern over the continuing turmoil in Manipur. In a post on social media, Ramesh said, “The pain, distress, and agony of the people of Manipur continues unabated as five districts Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur have been rocked by violence in the last 24 hours.” There was no response from BJP leaders to Ramesh’s remarks till the time of filing this report.
