Manipur is experiencing renewed violence following the arrest of the leader of an ethnic group, Arambai Tenggol, leading to mass protests where demonstrators burned vehicles and threatened self-immolation. The authorities have suspended internet services in five districts and imposed curfews to manage the unrest.
The northeastern state is witnessing a fresh round of violence that erupted after the arrest of a leader of an ethnic group, Arambai Tenggol. Angry protesters marched to the streets, burnt tyres, vehicles and even tried to self-immolate themselves by pouring petrol on their heads. The authorities havesuspended internet, VPN and messaging services in five districts and imposed prohibitory orders as well. In the Bishnupur district, a total curfew has been imposed by the District Magistrate.
Ravaged by floods, the violence has further deteriorated the condition of the state, which has been witnessing incidents of violence for the past two years. Earlier this year, in February, the President’s rule was imposed in the state following the resignation of then-CM N Biren Singh.
#WATCH | Manipur: Latest visuals from East and West Imphal showing the aftermath of overnight violence that erupted in five districts of the state.
The assembly of four or more persons has been restricted in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Kakching districts. A total… pic.twitter.com/x7mmYMurWB
— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2025
Now, visuals coming from the state show burnt cars, buses, furniture and bikes hours after the violence rocked Manipur. In one of the videos doing the rounds, some youth were seen pouring petrol on their heads, threatening to self-immolate.
The violence broke out Saturday night as the news of Arambai Tenggol’s arrest spread. Locals gathered at different places, burnt vehicles and held protests to build pressure on authorities to free Tenggol.
As a precaution, prohibitory orders have been clamped in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts. Officials said the protesters also clashed with security forces at different places in Imphal on Saturday night. A mob also set a bus on fire at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district, they added.
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India’s Northeast is slipping fast.Wake up, Delhi.#Manipur #ManipurViolence #Imphal pic.twitter.com/ZSTY0ktoMc
— THE SQUADRON (@THE_SQUADR0N) June 7, 2025
The personnel of the security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters who were present in front of Kangla Gate, nearly 200 metres away from the Raj Bhavan. Meanwhile, the security along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan has been strengthened with additional deployment of central forces.
“Violent protests broke out after the arrest of a leader of Arambai Tenggol. Three people have been injured in the clash with agitators and personnel. All preventive measures are in place,” a police officer said, quoted PTI.
Protesters also gheraoed the Imphal airport gate at Tulihal after the arrest of the Arambai Tenggol leader, and blocked a thoroughfare to prevent any possible attempt to take the arrested leader outside of the state.