Kanan Singh, a former head constable, was arrested for his role in the 2023 Manipur violence, CBI says; govt. clamps prohibitory orders as clashes leave many injured; NIA arrests 3 in a separate case related to the killing of two police commandos
Violence broke out across Manipur’s Imphal Valley after a top leader of Arambai Tenggol, an armed Meitei radical group, was picked up by security forces on Saturday (June 7, 2025) evening.
Four others belonging to the Arambai Tenggol were reportedly detained for questioning
Members of the Arambai Tenggol clashed with security forces personnel when they went to pick up A. Kanan Singh, a former Manipur Police head constable. A volley of gunshots was heard and supporters of the group burnt tyres and old furniture on the road.
Vehicles of the security forces were torched on the Airport Road, and scores of people, including security personnel, were injured.
As the violence spread, the government clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and suspended Internet and mobile data services in the five Imphal Valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal for five days.
The Arambai Tenggol, which came into prominence after the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities broke out in May 2023, countered by “imposing” a 10-day shutdown across these five districts. Some youth, believed to be members of the group, threatened self-immolation by pouring inflammable fluids on themselves.
By morning, however, the streets of Imphal and the valley beyond wore a deserted look. Hours later, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) issued a statement, saying it had arrested an Arambai Tenggol member at the Imphal Airport on Sunday (June 8, 2025).
“He was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. The information related to his arrest has been given to his family members,” the federal agency said, adding that it was investigating the Manipur violence cases according to the direction of the Supreme Court.
“The trial of the cases has been shifted to Guwahati in view of the law and order situation in Manipur. The said arrested member of Arambai Tenggol has been brought from Imphal to Guwahati, and he will be produced before the competent court for police remand. Investigation is continuing,” the CBI said.
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