Manipur violence: Manipur, which had been relatively calm in recent weeks, is once again on edge. Tensions flared up dramatically on Saturday night after the arrest of a key leader from the Meitei group Arambai Tengol, leading to fresh Manipur violence in Imphal West and surrounding districts.
The situation escalated quickly, prompting the government to suspend internet and mobile data services in five districts for five days and re-impose curfew in sensitive areas.
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Shocking Unrest in Manipur: Internet Cut, Curfew Back After Arrest of Arambai Tengol Leader
What Sparked the Latest Violence in Manipur?
According to officials, the Security Forces arrested the Arambai Tengol leader from the Kwaketal area in Imphal West. Soon after, his supporters took to the streets, triggering violent protests, road blockades and even gunfire.
- Protesters set fire to tyres and blocked roads.
- Loud gunshots were heard throughout the night.
- Tensions remained high till Sunday morning.
The protestors demanded the immediate release of their leader and clashed with law enforcement personnel. The group is already under scrutiny for its alleged role in past ethnic clashes in the state.
Where Has the Internet Been Shut Down?
The Manipur government issued an emergency order suspending internet and mobile data services (including VSAT and VPN) for five days starting late Saturday night. The affected districts are:
- Imphal West
- Imphal East
- Thoubal
- Bishnupur
- Kakching
An official order by Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar said that anti-social elements might use social media to spread hate, misinformation, or incite violence. The internet shutdown is a preventive measure to control unrest.
Curfew Reimposed in Key Districts
Along with the internet ban, curfews were reimposed in:
- Bishnupur district (full curfew)
- Imphal East and West, Thoubal, and Kakching (curfew under prohibitory orders)
Security personnel were seen patrolling the streets and setting up barricades. Emergency services and essential movement have been exempted, but the overall situation remains tense.
According to eyewitnesses, nearly 50 rounds of gunfire were exchanged during the unrest. There has been no confirmation of casualties yet.
What Is Arambai Tengol?
Arambai Tengol is a Meitei volunteer group that has been involved in controversial activities during earlier ethnic violence in Manipur. The group has been accused of targeting Kuki villages in the past.
Their leader’s arrest has led to massive support from the local Meitei community, intensifying the situation further.
The group has now called for a 10-day complete shutdown, which may worsen the already fragile peace.
What the Official Order States
The government order highlights the risk of social media misuse in volatile situations:
“It is feared that some anti-social elements may extensively use social media to broadcast images, abusive language and hateful video messages to incite the public… which may have a serious impact on the law and order situation of the state.”
The order clearly states that strict legal action will be taken against those violating the suspension instructions.
Impact on Locals and Connectivity
Local businesses, schools, and internet-based services have come to a standstill. Students and professionals depending on mobile data are among the worst affected.
Despite the shutdown, protestors continued gathering in pockets on Sunday morning, although security forces have largely brought the situation under control for now.
ByNews-View: A Fragile Peace Demands Deeper Healing
Once again, Manipur finds itself walking a razor’s edge between peace and instability. The recurring unrest after periods of calm is a worrying trend. Arresting a controversial figure might have been necessary for law enforcement, but the lack of coordinated communication and trust with the public continues to fuel chaos. Internet shutdowns and curfews are not long-term solutions. Manipur needs a sensitive, inclusive, and long-term strategy that addresses deep-rooted ethnic tensions, not just their symptoms.
