AT lifts shutdown, vows to persist peaceful protest
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 10 2025: Arambai Tenggol (AT) on Tuesday suspended its 10-day total shutdown with immediate effect, citing the public hardships caused by the ongoing violence and the recent floods in the state.

Nevertheless, the organisation vowed to persist with its "democratic agitation" until the release of its senior leader, Ashem Kanan, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 7.Addressing a press conference at the organisation's general headquarters on Tuesday, AT PRO Khwairakpam Robin Mangang, explained that the decision to lift the shutdown was made considering the difficulties faced by the public amid the ongoing violence and the recent floods in the state.

AT lifts shutdown, vows to persist peaceful protest

Robin clarified that Arambai Tenggol is a socio-cultural organisation, and not an armed outfit, explaining that its members were compelled to take up arms only in self-defence against attacks from illegal immigrants to protect the indigenous people of Manipur.

As a result of these self-defence actions, AT members are being targeted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), CBI, and state police under various cases and charges, leading to some arrests, he pointed out.

Robin maintained that AT had not intended violence for the shutdown, which commenced on June 7, to protest the arrest of Kanan.

He condemned incidents of violence that occurred during the bandh, clarifying that "miscreants" were attempting to "hijack the movement" and were responsible for acts such as burning of public vehicles, damaging properties, and disrupting essential services, medical emergencies, and religious ceremonies.

Keeping in view of the violent incidents and hardships faced by the people, especially the flood affected people, AT took the decision to suspend the shutdown, the PRO said.

He, nevertheless, reiterated that democratic forms of agitation would persist until Ashem Kanan is released and appealed for continued public support.

During the press briefing, Arambai Tenggol presented 14 youths to the media, identifying them as individuals who had carried out "excessive violent acts" during the shutdown, while misusing the organisation's name.

The announcement to suspend the shutdown comes amid escalating unrest in Imphal valley, where widespread protests continued on Monday despite prohibitory orders.

Demonstrators clashed with security forces in multiple districts, demanding the unconditional release of Kanan and four others who were recently arrested.

Tensions flared in Khurai Lamlong area of Imphal East on Monday night, leading security personnel firing multiple rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse agitated crowds.

According to reports, at least one four-wheeler was set ablaze by protesters during the clash.

Similar demonstrations, including road blockades and tyre burnings, were also reported from Thoubal and Kakching districts, highlighting the growing unrest across the valley.

The arrest of five Arambai Tenggol volunteers triggered the widespread shutdown, enforced since Saturday across valley districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

Notably, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally arrested one of its leaders, Ashem Kanan, at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal, on Sunday.

Since these arrests, protesters have barricaded major roads across the affected districts with burnt tyres, wooden planks, and debris, severely disrupting normal traffic and daily life.

Protests and demonstrations have intensified, reflecting deep-seated public discontent.

Meanwhile, Challengers Youths of Khundrakpam AC announced full support to any form of agitation spearheaded by Arambai Tenggol against the arrest of its leaders.

In a press meet held at Khundrakpam on Tuesday, the group's president James Leishangthem announced the decision, and also appealed to supporters to refrain from violent activities during any form of protests.