AT commander's arrest sparks widespread protests
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 07 2025: Fighting commander of Arambai Tenggol (AT) Asem Kanan was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and joint security forces from Imphal West on Saturday evening, triggering widespread protests across the valley districts.

Sources said Kanan and his escort party were picked up from a location in Imphal West by a team of NIA and security personnel.

As news of the arrest spread, a large number of AT members, Meira Paibi groups and local residents poured onto the streets to protest.

Security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowds, but as the number of protestors swelled, several rounds of gunshots were heard, particularly in Kwakeithel area.

AT commander's arrest sparks widespread protests

One protestor was reportedly injured in the confrontation while a journalist working for Impact TV also sustained injuries during the unrest.

The situation quickly escalated, with demonstrations erupting in several key locations in and around Imphal, including Tiddim Road, Uripok-Kangchup Road, Sagolband-Tera Road and Khurai Lamlong Keithel.

Protestors blocked major roads and set tyres on fire, paralysing traffic.

A bus believed to be used by security forces was also torched by the angry mob.

Kanan's wife, Asem Guni, told the media that her husband had joined the public defence effort only to protect the state and its territorial integrity during the ongoing ethnic conflict.

She said that he was a government employee and is currently under suspension.

She demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

In a video that went viral on social media platforms late Saturday, several Arambai Tenggol members were seen pouring petrol upon themselves, expressing their frustration and despair over the government's actions.

They condemned the arrest of AT leaders, stating that they had stepped up to defend the state and its people after the government failed to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

The AT members in the video said they had volunteered to protect Manipur and had responded to the call of duty when law and order collapsed last year.

They claimed that after the imposition of President's Rule, they voluntarily began surrendering arms as per the Governor's appeal, in the interest of restoring peace.

However, the recent arrest of their members, especially after disarming, was a betrayal and unjust targeting, they alleged.

They said that if their act of volunteering to protect Manipur was considered wrong, they would rather end their lives.

Sources said Meira Paibi members and locals intervened in time and stopped the protestors from taking any extreme steps.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the NIA or the security forces regarding the grounds for Kanan's arrest.

The situation in Imphal remained tense late Saturday night, with heavy deployment of security personnel in several locations and sounds of tear gas heard.