What’s Happened
- On June 7, 2025, police in Imphal West arrested Kanan Singh, the leader of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
- In a very heated protest, some men in black got themselves covered with petrol they even poured it over their heads and clothes and threatened with mass self-immolation while they were shouting, “Now you’re arresting us. We will kill ourselves.”
Escalation & Violence
- Protesters, in places like Kwakeithel, Uripok, and Khurai Lamlong, burnt not only tyres, old furniture, and vehicles but also the very atmosphere with their rage.
- A bus belonging to the security forces went up in flames; a shootout occurred in several neighborhoods, but it is unknown who fired.
Government Response
- Governmnet enforced curfew and prohibitory orders under Section 163/144 BNSS in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching
- A 5-day internet blackout was implemented from 11:45 pm on 7 June to stop the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content
Context & Background
- Arambai Tenggol appeared out of nowhere in 2023-2025 ethnic war between the Meitei and Kuki people; Meitei hills groups were arming themselves as volunteers among the insecurity situation.
- Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025 and it has already witnessed more than 260 deaths and about 60,000 displaced.
Why This Matters
- The extreme measure of self-immolation has become a striking and alarming development, which, if unchecked, could lead to a large uprising and make the ethnic tensions even more fragile.
- The authorities have decided to stop all activities in the state and have also sent the central forces which shows that the state’s security is not in a very good condition.
- This protest is a representation of the profound lack of trust and deep-rooted feelings of injustice within the Meitei community which if not address, could lead to the increase of the violence.