2 days Ago
According to the CBI, Singh was allegedly involved in several crimes related to a series of ethnic violence in Manipur since 2023. As the state has been reeling under instability, the trial of these cases has been transferred to Guwahati, the neighbouring state of Assam.
Arrests Lead to Clashes and Shutdowns
Protests erupted after the arrests. Protesters set fire to a bus, blocked roads and stormed a police post in Imphal. Security forces fired tear gas and live rounds in response, injuring at least one 13-year-old boy, according to local reports. The state had been thrown into chaos, said the lawmaker Okram Surjakumar.
The government retaliated by suspending internet and mobile data in five districts for five days and imposing an indefinite curfew in one of the districts. And in some places, public gatherings of more than four people have been outlawed. And while Arambai Tenggol has demanded a 10-day shutdown, disputes could escalate further.
Outrage Over Federal Response From City and State Officials
Manipur, plagued by violent ethnic conflict between Meitei majority and Kuki minority, has witnessed over 250 deaths and tens of thousands people displaced since 2023. This year, the state was put into federal control when its chief minister stepped down.
The leader of the opposition Congress party, Priyanka Gandhi, slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not comprising the crisis or meeting with state representatives. "It is the obligation of the prime minister to maintain peace and security — to retreat from that is forsaking one's responsibility," she said.
A group of MPs from various parties met with the state governor on Sunday to appeal for the leaders detained to be released. BJP MLA Kh Ibomcha verified the order, saying that the Giri Natung group would have to be set free after they are questioned.
