MLA team meets Governor, discuss situation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 08 2025: Amidst the widespread protests since Saturday night against the arrest of Arambai Tenggol (AT) members, a group of MLAs belonging to the BJP, NPP and Congress met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday and demanded immediate release of the AT members without any condition.

However, the Governor reportedly told the legislators that one of the arrested AT members namely Asem Kanan was taken into custody in connection with a case pursued by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and not as AT member.

The legislators led by speaker Th Satyabrata reached the Raj Bhavan at 11.30am.

MLA team meets Governor, discuss situation

Other MLAs who met the Governor included Th Biswajit, Y Khemchand, S Rajen, T Robindro, Th Radheshyam, K Robindro, Dr Y Radeshyam, Dr Sapam Ranjan, S Kebi Devi, Lourembam Rameshwar Meetei, RK Imo, Th Shyamkumar, Dinganglung Gangmei, L Susindro (Yaima), Khong bantabam Ibomcha, Karam Shyam, Th Basanta Kumar, S Premchandra of BJP, NPP's Kh Loken, M Rameshwar and Sheikh Noorul Hassan and INC's Th Lokeswar and O Surjakumar.

It is learnt that security advisor Kuldiep Singh was also present at the meeting.

Briefing the media after the nearly two-hour meeting, MLA Ibomcha said the legislators urged the Governor to release all the arrested AR members without any condition, to which the Governor explained that the present government did not act against Arambai Tenggol and rather appreciate the cooperation AT extended to the government and acknowledge their role in the recent flood.

The Governor also disclosed that AT leader Asem Kanan was not arrested by state government but by the CBI in connection with a case while four other AT members rounded up along with Kanan were unrelated with the case.

The Governor further informed the legislators that four AT members were arrested while accompanying Kanan and they would be released if found not involved in any serious case, the MLA said.

According to MLA Ibomcha, the legislators questioned the Governor about the particular case against Kanan but the latter claimed of being unaware on the case details.

Accordingly, the legislators urged the Governor to make a public statement about reason behind Kanan's arrest.

In his address, Congress MLA Lokeswar reiterated about the Governor confiding to the legislators that Asem Kanan was arrested in connection with a case taken up by the CBI .

Th Lokeswar also disclosed about sharing his observation to the Governor that there is valid reason to hold accountable the then state's home minister, home secretary and DGP for compelling Arambai Tenggol members to take up arms in the initial phase of the violence if Asem Kanan has been arrested as AT member.

The Governor was also apprised that arrest of AT members amidst the crucial period and flood was untimely and uncalled for, Lokeswar maintained.

According to MLA Lokeswar, government should appreciate the humanitarian service rendered by AT during the recent flood and act accordingly.

Criticising the present PR administration of letting free hand in the hills while acting aggressively in the valley, Lokeswar expressed apprehension if a ploy is being hatched to prolong chaos in the state.

The Governor was apprised that present administration must be responsible for any untoward incident, Lokeswar added.

Congress MLA 0 Surjakumar also told media person that the Governor had intimated the legislators that arrest of Asem Kanan was not to target Arambai Tenggol.

However, legislators informed the Governor that the arrest was untimely and against the wishes of the people.

They also informed the Governor that any arrest, even if utmost necessary, can be done individually at a later time with prior information to the people, Surjakumar added.

The legislators further urged the Governor to intervene in the situation and help to find an amicable solution to which he informed the delegation that all necessary steps are being taken to address the concerns and to restore normalcy.

Meanwhile, the Governor also held a security review meeting with the senior administrative and security officials at the Raj Bhavan.

"During the meeting, a comprehensive discussion and review of various matters relating to the current law and order situation in the state were deliberated," said an official.

Among those present in the latter meeting were the security advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, Commissioner (Home), N Ashok Kumar, the Secretary to the Governor, Additional Director General of Police, Inspector General of the Assam Rifles (South), Inspector General, CRPF and other senior officials.