Bodies demand release of arrested AT members
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 08 2025: Demanding immediate release of arrested Arambai Tenggol (AT) members, the Democratic People's Front (DPF) expressed strong suspicion that the arrests could be part of the broader hidden agenda to handover the state to the narco-terrorists by quashing an organisation like the AT, which has been shouldering immense responsibility for safeguard of the people of Manipur.

According to DPF general secretary Longjam Joykumar, Arambai Tenggol has been at the forefront of shielding the state from destructive agenda of narco-terrorism but arrest of its key leaders raises a big question if attempt is being made to uproot AT to aid the narco-terrorists take over the state.

Bodies demand release of arrested AT members

Addressing media persons at its Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal Sunday, Joykumar said the present President's Rule administration seems to incite violence by arresting AT members, who are fearlessly working for the people of Manipur.

With the high hope of return of peace and normalcy in the state, Arambai Tenggol reciprocated positively to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's call arid returned the arms.

However, the arrest of AT leaders has diluted people's trust in the Governor and compelled to raise the question if the present state administration is diverting the Gwaltabi incident by creating another issue.

He appealed to the PR administration to immediately stop any plan to arrest more leaders of Arambai Tenggol before the eruption of another people's uprising more intense than the June 18 of 2001 .

Government could do nothing when the people rise in unison against administrative injustices, he warned.

On the other hand, party's newly appointed president Narengbam Rajivkumar said DPF was floated with regional mind-set to strengthen relation between hills and valley people.

The Front will focus on safeguarding territorial integrity of Manipur, he said and appealed people to strengthen the party.

Bodies demand release of arrested AT members

Peace and Integrity Committee Kyamgei (PICK) and All Kyamgei Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup (AKNCTL) also demanded unconditional release of AT fighting commander Asem Kanan and four other members, warning of intense public protests if the government fails to act.

Addressing a press conference at Kyamgei, PICK convenor Ch Meghachandra said that the charges levelled against Asem Kanan were unacceptable and alleged that the government was selectively targeting AT while ignoring violations by Kuki armed groups.

He pointed out that AT had responded to the Governor's call to surrender arms, Whereas the Kuki groups had not complied.

This selective inaction by the state and central authorities is nothing new in the ongoing conflict, he said.

Meghachandra condemned excessive use of force by security personnel during Saturday's protest at Kwakeithel, where even journalists were assaulted.

He also criticised the failure of the enquiry committee to submit the investigation report on the Gwaltabi incident within the deadline of 15 days.

Reitefating that Arambai Tenggol is not an armed outfit but were compelled to fake up arms when the state failed to protect its citizens, he said that AT voluntari ly surrendered weapons to show goodwill.

He accused the authorities of targeting AT while ignoring "Kuki narco-terrorists", and warned that the Governor would be held responsible for any unwanted consequences if the arrested members are not released.

He also demanded action against security personnel involved in the assault on journalists.

Meghachandra further called upon bureaucrats to uphold the law and refrain from becoming "another Subedar Khelendro".

He criticised the repeated shutdown of internet services during public agitations, arguing that it was harming students and others who depend on internet access, especially during the current admission season.

Chipping in, AKNCTL president Moirangthem Sobita demanded clarity on the reason for the arrests and criticised the silence of elected representatives, particularly MLAs, on the issue.

She said similar to Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba and Keirao MLA.L Rameshwar visiting the Raj Bhavan to discuss the arrests with the Governor, other legislators must also speak out.

She condemned the Central government's treatment of Manipur and urged civil society organisations across the state to come out.