How is the indefinite curfew and shutdown affecting life in Manipur?

Imphal, June 9 (NationPress) The daily routine was severely disrupted in five valley districts of Manipur on Monday because of an indefinite curfew and a 10-day shutdown initiated by the radical Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol.

In an effort to manage the escalating situation, the state government imposed a ban on mobile Internet and data services starting Saturday at midnight for five days, alongside an indefinite curfew in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

The Arambai Tenggol group organized the 10-day shutdown beginning Sunday as a protest against the arrest of their leader by central security forces.

Ashem Kanan Singh, aged 46, leader of the Arambai Tenggol, was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Imphal due to his involvement in serious criminal activities and various unlawful cases, according to a police announcement made on Sunday.

Singh was previously a Head Constable in the Manipur Police but was dismissed from his role on March 3, 2025, due to his involvement in numerous criminal actions, including cross-border arms smuggling.

Following Singh's arrest, new instances of violence erupted in the valley region, particularly in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, starting Saturday night.

Protesters set fire to several vehicles, including those belonging to security forces, over the weekend.

In response to Singh's arrest, numerous protesters burned tyres and old furniture on key roads in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts, demanding his immediate release.

A police official reported that clashes occurred between protesters and security forces at over ten locations across the five valley districts, resulting in injuries to approximately 20 individuals, including some security personnel.

The office of the Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC) at Yairipok Tulihal in Imphal East was partially damaged due to arson, leading to the destruction of official records.

The situation remains precarious in the five districts predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, as protesters have continued to obstruct significant roads using various materials.

Authorities have managed to clear several roadblocks, especially on the Tiddim road leading to Imphal airport.

Security forces have employed tear gas and rubber bullets in over ten locations to disperse the crowds, according to police reports.

In a few instances, activists from Arambai Tenggol engaged in symbolic protests by dousing themselves in petrol.

A significant deployment of both Central and state forces, led by senior officials, has been positioned in the five districts to restore order, particularly in Imphal East and West.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also apprehended three insurgents linked to a deadly attack on security forces that resulted in the deaths of two police commandos and multiple injuries in Moreh, Tengnoupal district, on January 17 last year.

One Thangminlen Mate, a member of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT) insurgent group, was captured on May 19 in southern Assam’s Silchar. Two other suspects involved in the deadly assault—Kamginthang Gangte, affiliated with the Kuki National Army (KNA), and Hentinthang Kipgen, aka Thangneo Kipgen, linked to the Village Volunteers group in Churachandpur district—were arrested by NIA on June 6 in Manipur.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh, along with BJP’s Rajya Sabha member Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, traveled to New Delhi on Monday to inform central leaders about the ongoing situation in the state.

Singh expressed his intention to update central leaders on the state's current issues. “I urge all involved to be cautious and responsible during this critical period in Manipur,” he stated to the media at Imphal airport.

He called for calm, urging the populace to unite and reject all forms of violence and harmful actions.