08/06/2025
MLAs and MP Sanajaoba meet Governor over arrest of Arambai Tenggol members
June 8: Imphal
Amid escalating tensions in Manipur following the arrest of five members of the Arambai Tenggol group, including its army chief, a multi-party delegation of over 25 legislators and MP Sanajaoba met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday afternoon to express concern and urge immediate action.
The delegation comprised MLAs from the BJP, NPP, Congress, and an MP. They urged the Governor to intervene and press for the unconditional release of the arrested members. The move follows days of unrest, including violent protests, road blockades, and an internet shutdown across the valley districts.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, BJP MLA spokesperson L. Ibomcha confirmed that the Arambai Tenggol army chief, identified as Kanan, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a personal case. The remaining four individuals were detained by state police as they were present during Kanan's arrest.
Ibomcha added that the Governor assured the delegation he is not against the Arambai Tenggol group and acknowledged their support during the recent flood crisis. “The Governor said four of the detained members would be released after thorough background screening,” Ibomcha stated.
Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar, who was part of the delegation, voiced concerns over the growing panic in the state. “The arrest of five Arambai Tenggol members has thrown the state into chaos — curfews have been imposed, internet is suspended, and blockades have emerged in multiple locations,” he said.
Surjakumar further urged transparency in future arrests. “If the government plans to arrest someone, there must be public clarification. We must maintain unity and focus on restoring peace in the state,” he emphasized.
The Governor and the state’s security advisor reportedly told the delegation that only one of the detainees is linked to a CBI investigation, while the remaining four are under preliminary background checks by the local police. If no links are found, they are expected to be released.
The meeting comes amid growing public anxiety and political pressure, as Manipur continues to reel under civil unrest sparked by the arrests