Imphal: A member of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol has been arrested for allegedly firing at security personnel during recent protests in Manipur, police confirmed on Wednesday.
The protests erupted over the arrests of the group’s leader, Kanan Singh, and four others.
The accused, identified as Raj alias Boinao Pangeijam (39), allegedly fired at security forces while they were clearing a roadblock in the Tera Sapam area of Imphal West district on June 9.
He was apprehended on Tuesday, and a pistol believed to have been used in the incident was recovered. He has been remanded to police custody for eight days, officials said.
“Protesters, linked to Arambai Tenggol, attacked security forces during the road-clearing operation. One of them opened fire before fleeing the scene,” a senior officer reported.
In a separate operation, 19 individuals were detained for their alleged involvement in violence in Imphal East district.
The detainees were accused of blocking roads, harassing commuters, and causing public disturbances, often under the influence of alcohol.
These actions disrupted public order and caused significant inconvenience to citizens, police said.
The protests, which defied prohibitory orders, have sparked clashes between demonstrators and security forces across several districts in the Imphal valley.
Demonstrators are demanding the unconditional release of Kanan Singh and the other arrested members of Arambai Tenggol.
Amid escalating tensions, police have appealed to residents, particularly the youth, to refrain from unlawful activities, warning that such behaviour could lead to severe legal consequences and adversely affect their futures.
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Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.
The unrest has claimed over 260 lives and left thousands homeless.
The state has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
The state assembly remains under suspended animation, with its term set to last until 2027.
