Protests Erupt in Manipur Following Arrest of Ethnic Leader

INIndia|

Protests erupted in Imphal, Manipur's capital, as demonstrators threatened self-immolation over the arrest of Kanan Singh, leader of the Arambai Tenggol (AT) group, who is implicated in violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The protests began on Saturday night, marked by tire burning and roadblocks, as some protesters poured petrol on themselves, expressing outrage at the arrest. Police reported that gunfire was heard in the area.

The government has since imposed a curfew and suspended internet services across five districts in an attempt to control the unrest. Kanan Singh is facing serious allegations linked to the kidnapping of a police officer in February 2024, and he joined the AT after his suspension from a police unit for "dereliction of duty."

Resistance from both communities complicates arrests as ethnic tensions remain high in Manipur, where over 260 have died and nearly 50,000 have been displaced due to violence since May 2023. The ongoing unrest highlights the deep divisions within the state, with reports of armed volunteer groups on both sides, raising concerns about escalating violence.

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