Kumar Bahukhandi
Tension in Manipur (file photo) PTI
Manipur Shutdown: The CBI said it has arrested a member of the Arambai Tengole at the Imphal airport for his alleged involvement in various criminal activities related to the Manipur violence in 2023.
Imphal: Tension has increased once again in Manipur. Tension increased in the districts of the valley after the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Guwahati arrested Asim Kanan, a member of the Meitei group Arambai Tengole on Sunday ,June8 , 2025 .
In a press release, the CBI said, “Kanan was arrested at Imphal airport on Sunday June 8, 2025 for his involvement in various criminal activities related to the 2023 Manipur violence. His family has been informed about the arrest.” The statement also said that the CBI is investigating cases related to the Manipur violence as directed by the Supreme Court. It said, “Due to the prevailing law and order situation, the hearing of these cases has been transferred from Manipur to Guwahati.”
Kanan will be produced before the court
The CBI further confirmed that Kanan has been taken to Guwahati and will be produced before the court for police remand. According to police officials familiar with the matter, Kanan was arrested along with four other Arambai Tengole members from Imphal on Saturday June 7, 2025 . However, the official statement from the CBI only confirmed the arrest of Kanan.
Protests begin in Imphal
Meanwhile, violent protests broke out in Imphal city. Hundreds of protesters blocked major roads using burning tyres, wooden planks and other debris. Security forces fired tear gas shells, fake bombs and live rounds to disperse the crowd. Amid the chaos, a 13-year-old boy sustained serious injuries to his leg from a tear gas shell explosion. He was rushed to a nearby hospital.
At least 11 people were reported injured from Saturday evening to 5.30 pm on Sunday and the situation continued to deteriorate in the evening. Security forces have been deployed at key locations in Imphal, including the Palace Compound in Imphal East and Keshampat Bridge in Imphal West, Moirangkhom and Tiddim Road leading to the Imphal airport. The state has shut down the internet in all districts of the valley.
Arambai Tengole calls bandh
Arambai Tengole called for a 10-day statewide bandh demanding the unconditional release of those arrested. Besides, a women’s group from Khurai in Imphal East issued a stern warning demanding that all MLAs who are out of the state return to Imphal by 6 pm on June 10 and form a new popular government. The group declared that any MLA who does not return by the deadline will not be allowed to re-enter the state.
