Should the People of Manipur Support Shutdowns Called by Civil Society Groups?
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Synopsis
In the wake of recent violence due to the arrest of Arambai Tenggol members, Manipur police are calling for peace. They urge citizens to reject shutdowns by civil society organizations and remind them of the legal ramifications of spreading false information. The situation remains tense, and the police are focused on maintaining order in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Manipur Police urge public to reject shutdown calls.
- Importance of maintaining peace and stability emphasized.
- Legal repercussions for spreading misinformation highlighted.
- Community protests reflect unrest over recent arrests.
- Return of looted arms and ammunition requested.
Imphal, June 9 (NationPress) In light of the recent violence sparked by the detention of members from the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol, the police in Manipur have urged the public to refrain from supporting any shutdowns organized by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
In their statement, the Manipur police appealed to peace-loving citizens to not endorse these protests linked to the arrests of individuals involved in unlawful activities.
The Manipur Police have been diligently working to uphold peace and stability throughout the state. Additionally, they encouraged citizens to disregard rumors and remain cautious of misleading videos circulating online.
“Any dissemination of unverified videos can be checked against the rumor-free number provided by the Central Control Room. There are numerous fake posts spreading on social media. It’s important to note that posting such false information could result in legal repercussions. The public is also urged to return any looted arms, ammunition, and explosives to the police or nearby security forces immediately,” the statement emphasized.
The Arambai Tenggol outfit has initiated a 10-day shutdown in Manipur starting Sunday to protest the arrests of their members by law enforcement agencies.
It was reported that Ashem Kanan Singh (46) was apprehended by the CBI in Imphal on Saturday. Singh, a former Head Constable in the Manipur Police, was dismissed from service on March 3 (2025) due to his involvement in various criminal acts, including cross-border arms smuggling.
He was arrested for several serious offenses and for being involved in unlawful activities and criminal cases against him, according to the statement.
Protests erupted in the evening of Saturday in the Imphal valley following his arrest, prompting the police and security forces to manage the situation.
In a related development, the NIA has detained three insurgents linked to a deadly attack on security forces that resulted in the deaths of two police commandos and injured several others in Moreh, situated in the Tengnoupal district, on January 17 last year (2024).
One Thangminlen Mate, a member of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT) insurgent group, was arrested on May 19 (2025) in Silchar, southern Assam.
Two other suspects involved in the attack—Kamginthang Gangte, affiliated with the Kuki National Army (KNA), and Hentinthang Kipgen, also known as Thangneo Kipgen, linked with the Village Volunteers group in Churachandpur district—were apprehended by the NIA on June 6 in Manipur.
Following the attack on January 17 last year, officials from the Manipur police reported that armed militants executed a violent assault on state forces using firearms and explosives in Moreh, near the Myanmar border. In this incident, personnel from the 6th Manipur Rifles, Wangkhem Somorjit Meetei, and another from the 10th Manipur Rifles, Takhellambam Sieleshwor Singh, were martyred, while six other police officers sustained injuries.
Both the 6th and 10th Manipur Rifles are part of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB). Meanwhile, a police representative indicated that security forces apprehended three militants from the Thoubal and Imphal East districts in the last 24 hours.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain committed to the truth and ensure that all voices are heard in this complex situation. The Manipur police's call for unity and peace is essential, and we stand with the community in promoting dialogue and understanding amidst the unrest. News coverage should reflect the needs for stability and safety in the region.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Manipur Police's statement?
The statement was prompted by the recent violence following the arrest of members from the Arambai Tenggol group, urging citizens not to support shutdowns called by civil society organizations.
Who was arrested and what were the charges?
Ashem Kanan Singh, a former Head Constable, was arrested by the CBI for involvement in criminal activities, including cross-border arms smuggling.
What is the police's stance on rumors and misinformation?
The police have urged the public not to believe in rumors and to verify any information through the Central Control Room to prevent the spread of misinformation.
What legal actions might be taken against those spreading false information?
Individuals who circulate fake posts on social media may face legal action as part of the police's effort to maintain order.
What has been the community response to the arrests?
Following the arrests, protests erupted in Imphal valley, signaling community unrest and reaction to the police's actions.
