Manipur unrest intensifies, protesters pour petrol on heads; threaten to self-immolate

Protesters pour petrol on their heads in Manipur's Imphal

The unrest over the arrest of a key leader of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), Kanan Singh, intensified in Manipur, with protestors pouring petrol on their heads and threatening to self-immolate on Saturday night.

The extended protest comes after unrest erupted in parts of Manipur’s Imphal after Singh was arrested by the security forces. Arson was witnessed on the roads as protesters burnt tyres and blocked the streets, prompting the administration to suspend internet services across five valley districts for five days.

The protesters torched tyres and old furniture in the middle of the roads, gheraoed the airport entrance, and clashed with security forces, demanding the release of the leader. Some of them even attempted self-immolation in Imphal. The situation remained tense on Sunday.

Security forces reportedly responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the agitated crowd. One casualty has been reported, allegedly due to a lathi charge by the forces. Additional personnel have been deployed in the restive areas to bring the situation under control, and security has been enhanced along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan.

Arambai Tenggol has announced a ten-day total shutdown in the valley districts starting today, as it prepares to intensify its protest. The Meitei organisation, which began as a cultural revivalist group, has since evolved into a controversial militia-like force involved in the ongoing ethnic violence. The group had recently held discussions with the Governor and also surrendered some of its arms.

Kanan Singh is the main accused in the February 2024 attack on the house of Additional Superintendent of Police Moirangthem Amit and the kidnapping that followed. At that time, Kanan was a head constable in the state police commando unit, but he was later suspended for neglecting his duty.

In the protest videos, a group of young men wearing black t-shirts were seen holding bottles filled with petrol. One of them was heard saying, “We gave up our weapons. We helped during the floods like we were supposed to. Now you’re arresting us. We’ll end our lives."

Arambai Tenggol is a Meitei youth group that has been active in the valley regions of Manipur. The group has previously been linked to heightened community mobilisation during episodes of ethnic tension. Their alleged involvement in recent disturbances and the suspected arrest of some of its members have once again flared the already fragile situation in the state.