Meitei leader Arambai Tenggol's arrest: Protesters defy curbs; Internet, mobile data suspended

Guwahati: The Manipur government has suspended internet and mobile data services in five districts of the Valley for five days after widespread protests in Imphal East and Imphal West following the arrest of a leader of the Meitei radical outfit 'Arambai Tenggol'. Protesters burnt tyres and old furniture at Kwakeithel and Uripok in Imphal West district, demanding immediate release of the leader.

People also protested before the Imphal Airport at Tulihal after reports spread that the arrested leader would be flown outside the state. Arambai Tenggol members poured petrol on themselves in symbolic protests.

A group of 23 MLAs called on governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan on Sunday and apprised him of the situation, urging him to find an amicable solution. The governor told the delegation that necessary steps were being taken to address concerns and restore normalcy. Manipur is under President's rule.

CBI has said that it has arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol at Imphal Airport on Sunday. He was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. CBI is investigating the Manipur violence cases as per the direction of the Supreme Court. The trial of the Manipur violence cases has been shifted from Manipur to Guwahati in view of the law and order situation in the state.

The arrested member has been brought to Guwahati and he will be produced before a court for police remand. Investigation is continuing.

Manipur's commissioner-cum-secretary (home) N Ashok Kumar in an order issued Saturday night said: "In view of the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages...which might have serious repercussions..."

"There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services," the order said.

It said that internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN services, were suspended in the Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts for five days, effective Saturday midnight.

BJP's Rajya Sabha member Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba was seen on the street late Saturday night, talking agitatedly with the security officials about the arrest.

The governor also held a security review meeting with the senior administrative and security officials on the law and order situation.

In Manipur, at least 258 people have been killed and over a thousand injured in the ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zos and non-tribal Meiteis since May 3, 2023. More than 60,000 have been displaced and are staying in relief camps in different districts.