Imphal, Manipur – June 8, 2025
Violence erupted across Manipur’s Imphal Valley following the arrest of several leaders of Arambai Tenggol, a controversial Meitei outfit. The arrests, including that of a key commander, took place late on June 7 in Imphal West. Supporters rushed into the streets, blocking roads, setting vehicles on fire, and clashing with security forces (reuters.com, ground.news).
In a disturbing escalation, some protesters, dressed in black, doused themselves in petrol and threatened self-immolation (businesstoday.in). Eyewitness footage from areas like Khurai Lamlong showed mobs burning a bus, tyres, and furniture, while gunshots rang out in Kwakeithel (indiatoday.in).
Amid the unrest, the Imphal airport was briefly blockaded by demonstrators attempting to prevent any movement of the arrested leaders (indiatoday.in).
Government Response: Curfew and Internet Shutdown
Authorities swiftly responded by imposing curfews and prohibitory orders. Bishnupur district was placed under indefinite curfew, while gatherings of more than five people were banned in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching (indiatoday.in).
To stem the flow of unverified information, internet and mobile data services—including VPNs and VSAT—have been suspended for five days starting from 11:45 pm, June 7, affecting Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur (businesstoday.in).
Security forces have been deployed to enforce the lockdown, maintain order, and protect sensitive installations like the Raj Bhavan (businesstoday.in).
Arambai Tenggol Calls 10-Day Shutdown
In a coordinated response, Arambai Tenggol announced a 10‑day bandh across the Imphal Valley in solidarity, intensifying the dispute with the state government (arabnews.com).
Roots of the Conflict
The current unrest forms part of a broader violent ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei majority of the valley and the Kuki‑Zo tribes from the surrounding hills. According to official counts, over 250 people have died and approximately 60,000 displaced (en.wikipedia.org).
Arambai Tenggol has been linked to multiple incidents of arson, looting, and weapons theft. Human rights groups accuse it of leading attacks on Kuki-Zo villages and even burning religious institutions (en.wikipedia.org).
Regional Impact and Security Measures
This unrest marks another volatile phase in a region already strained by intermittent bouts of violence. A similar internet shutdown was enacted during earlier clashes in 2023, which displaced tens of thousands (arabnews.com).
The curfew and digital blackout underscore the state's deteriorating security situation—even as it remains under President’s Rule—and reflect the administration’s efforts to prevent escalation (ground.news).
Restive Indian state orders curfew after fresh violence – AFP report
🔍 What Happens Next?
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Authorities are actively monitoring the bandh and curfew.
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Partial restoration of internet may follow rapid stabilization.
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Long-standing ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki‑Zo communities remain unresolved.
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Arambai Tenggol’s arrest may prompt legal proceedings for alleged hate crimes, arms seizures, and arson.
Disclaimer: This report is based on evolving developments from multiple news agencies and field reports. Ongoing police and security operations may change the situation and the details shared here.
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