Protest paralyses Imphal, net suspended, curfew imposed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 08 2025: The widespread protests triggered by the arrests of Arambai Tenggol leader Asem Kanan Singh and four others by security forces yesterday intensified with protesters blocking roads at multiple points of Imphal today.

In a late evening development, reports have been received that the other four AT members have been released.

The situation remained volatile on Sunday with the administration imposing prohibitory orders and suspending internet services in the five valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur for five days.

Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, while internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, have been suspended in these valley areas.

While tyres were burnt and roads were blocked across Imphal, security forces fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the mobs.

A 12-year-old boy identified as Huidrom Amish, son of H Monish of Sega Road Konjeng Leikai Hazari Leirak sustained injury on his right foot after being hit by a tear gas shell fired by security forces at Dhobi Machu Leirak at around 2 pm today.

The boy was visiting his aunt when the tear gas shell fired by security forces at protesters hit him on the foot.

While protesters were seen blocking roads from early morning today, the situation deteriorated in the evening.

At Sega road, protesters were seen burning tyres and blocking the road using mounds of earth, brought in by vehicles.

Security fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the protesters.

Notably, soon after the arrests of the Arambai Tenggol members yesterday, a sea of angry protesters came out on the streets of Imphal, demanding unconditional release of all the arrested individuals.

Confrontations between protesters and security forces broke out at different pockets of Imphal.

The situation worsened late in the night with intensified agitation breaking out across Imphal.

Demanding immediate and unconditional release of the arrested Arambai Tenggol members, protesters yesterday night tried to march towards the Governor's residence at Raj Bhavan.

Protesters marching toward Raj Bhavan from Uripok and Nagamapal were stopped by security forces at BT Park area.

Defying warnings issued to turn back, the protesters continued to march toward Kangla Western Gate.

Security forces then resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs to push them back up to Khwairamband Keithel area.

In the meantime, a large number of protesters gathered in front of City Police station and demanded the police to arrest them also.

The protesters turned violent and burnt down two vehicles parked near the gate of the police station and damaged the windshields of parked Traffic Police vehicles in the area.

The situation at City Police station was brought under control after the arrival of Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, who fired dozens of tear gas shells and mock bombs.

At midnight, fire service personnel rushed to the spot and put out the fire (burning vehicles).

While many other pockets of Imphal saw intense protest demonstrations and protesters confronting security personnel, a private bus used for transportation of BSF personnel was burnt down by a mob at Lamlong area last night.

The situation at Kwakeithel Bazar was also tense with security personnel firing dozens of rounds of bullets in the air and tear gas shells to disperse protesters.

Khurai, Mantripukhri, Uripok, Nagamapal, Khuyathong, Ghari and many other pockets also saw intensified protests.

At around 2 am today, the protest on Tiddim Road intensified and security forces deployed tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse protesters.

The security forces' crackdown on protesters hurt one woman on her face and was evacuated to a hospital for treatment.

To prevent movement of security forces, protesters burnt tyres and blocked Tiddim road using iron barricades and other obstacles.

The situation near Bir Tikendrajit International Airport was also tense.

There were reports of several individuals hurt in the protests yesterday night.

Protesters torched tyres and old furniture on roads in Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the release of the AT leader.

They clashed with security forces at different places in the State capital on Saturday night.

A mob also set a bus on fire at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district.

Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters in front of Kangla Gate, nearly 200 metres away from the Raj Bhavan here.

Security has been strengthened along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan with additional deployment of Central forces.

In view of the protests in the restive North Eastern State, an order issued by the District Magistrate of Imphal West stated that the "Superintendent of Police in Imphal West...has reported serious breach to peace, disturbance to public tranquillity, riot or affray in the area, and grave danger to human lives and properties due to unlawful activities of anti-social elements" .

The district administration banned the assembly of five or more people and the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms, or sharp weapons under sub-section 2 of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) .

Similar preventive measures were clamped in Thoubal and Kakching districts, the police said.

In Imphal East and Bishnupur districts, people have been prohibited from stepping outside their residences from 10 pm on Saturday, until further orders under sub-section 1 of section 163 of the BNSS .

"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.

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