A multi-party delegation comprising over 25 legislators, including Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday, urging his intervention amid growing unrest in the Imphal Valley following the arrest of five members of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
The Governor also convened a high-level security review meeting to assess the situation, which has seen widespread protests and sporadic incidents of violence and arson since Saturday afternoon. Demonstrations intensified after the arrest of the five individuals, one of whom—Kanan Singh—was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a case related to last year’s ethnic violence.
A statement from the Raj Bhavan confirmed the meeting: “Today, a group of MLAs called on the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan during which the MLAs apprised the Governor of the current law and order situation and requested his intervention to help find an amicable solution.” The Governor assured the delegation, which included members of both the BJP and the Congress, that “all necessary steps are being taken to address the concerns and to restore normalcy.”
On Saturday night, protests erupted across various parts of the state, including a violent incident where a mob stormed the Kwakeithel police outpost in Imphal West. Security forces were compelled to fire several rounds to disperse the crowd.
On Sunday, BJP legislator K. Ibomcha clarified that among the five arrested, only Kanan Singh was apprehended by the CBI. The other four were arrested by state police for their alleged association with Singh, though no CBI-related cases were filed against them.
“During the meeting [with the Governor], we were informed that Kanan was arrested by the CBI in connection with a specific case, not by Manipur Police. The four others will be screened to determine if they were involved in any illegal activities,” Ibomcha said. He also highlighted the role Arambai Tenggol had played during recent flood relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Th. Lokeshwar demanded the arrest of the former state home minister and senior police officials instead. “Kanan was arrested in connection with a CBI case, not for being a member of Arambai Tenggol. We have urged authorities to release all five individuals unconditionally,” Lokeshwar said after the meeting with the Governor.
The Raj Bhavan also released details of the Governor’s review meeting with top security officials. The meeting was attended by the state’s Security Adviser, the Director General of Police, Commissioner (Home), Additional DGP (Law and Order), Secretary to the Governor, IGAR (South), Inspector General of CRPF, and other senior officials.
Following the fresh wave of protests, the state administration imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in five districts of the Imphal Valley to prevent further escalation.
