Meira Paibi organisations across Imphal staged protests and submitted a memorandum to the Governor, demanding the release of arrested Arambai Tenggol members.
Imphal, June 22: Several Meira Paibi organisations on Monday intensified their opposition to the recent arrest of Arambai Tenggol (AT) members by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with women activists submitting a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur and holding protest meetings at multiple locations demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
The Apunba Meira Paibi Lup of Keishamthong Assembly Constituency Ward No. 9 submitted a memorandum to the Governor seeking the release of four Arambai Tenggol members arrested by the NIA. The organisation also questioned whether the arrest of AT personnel would contribute to resolving the prolonged crisis in Manipur.
A large number of Meira Paibis gathered near Raj Bhavan, also known as Lok Bhavan, at around 2 pm. According to members of the organisation, police personnel allowed six representatives to proceed and submit the memorandum on behalf of the gathering.
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Speaking to reporters after the submission, Apunba Meira Paibi Lup Co-Convenor Th. Chandrashakhi said the delegation was unable to meet the Governor as prior permission for an appointment had not been obtained.
She described Arambai Tenggol as a group formed by local youths who, according to her, only came forward during the violence that erupted in the state to protect their land and people. She claimed that the organisation initially focused on cultural and religious activities before becoming involved in community protection efforts following the outbreak of ethnic violence.
Questioning the recent arrests, Chandrashakhi referred to the killing of six Naga civilians and alleged that those responsible had not yet been brought to justice. She also raised concerns regarding several missing Meitei youths whose whereabouts remain unknown.
“Can peace and a solution to the crisis be achieved simply by arresting AT youths?” she asked, while alleging that both the Centre and the state administration were acting in a manner favourable to the Kuki community.
She maintained that the arrested individuals were innocent youths and warned that repeated arrests could further fuel public resentment. According to her, if the detained members are not released soon, Meira Paibi groups would continue their agitation.
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The memorandum submitted to the Governor referred to a February 20, 2025 appeal issued by the Governor calling upon people in both the hills and valley to surrender illegal weapons within seven days. The organisation stated that many youths had surrendered their weapons in response to that appeal.
It argued that action against youths who complied with the Governor’s call would amount to a breach of public trust. The memorandum therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested by the NIA.
The demand was echoed in several protest meetings held across different localities on Monday.
At Sanjenbam, a protest gathering was jointly organised by the Sanjenbam Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (SAMPAL) and SOYO at the Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai Community Hall along Kangchup Road.
A statement issued following the meeting strongly condemned the arrest of the AT personnel. The organisers alleged that authorities were acting beyond previously agreed understandings and insisted that the arrested individuals should be released without conditions.
The statement further warned that both organisations would join larger public agitations if the detainees were not released.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Meira Paibi groups at Langjing Achouba, where women activists also staged demonstrations against the arrests.
Atom Reena, a member of the Langjing Apunba Meira Paibi, said that following the outbreak of violence in May 2023, youths from different localities came together under the banner of Arambai Tenggol to defend their communities.
She stated that weapons used by the group had later been surrendered during the period of President’s Rule in accordance with an understanding reached with the Governor.
According to Reena, assurances had been given regarding the safety and protection of those associated with the organisation. She therefore condemned the arrests and urged authorities to stop further action against AT members.
She also argued that many of the youths joined armed defence efforts because of the extraordinary circumstances prevailing in the state during the conflict.
Another protest meeting was organised by the Kangla Sangomsang Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, where participants demanded the release of three AT members arrested during a joint operation conducted by the NIA and other security forces on June 19.
In a statement issued by its president, Ng. Kebi, the organisation strongly criticised the violence that has affected Manipur since May 2023 and expressed concern over the loss of lives, destruction of homes and the continuing displacement of people.
The statement alleged that indigenous communities had faced repeated threats and asserted that Arambai Tenggol emerged as a response to the prevailing security situation.
The organisation also claimed that assurances previously given by the Governor had been violated through the recent arrests.
Warning that public anger could intensify if the issue remains unresolved, the Kangla Sangomsang Apunba Meira Paibi Lup urged the authorities to halt further arrests under various legal provisions and release those already detained.
The protests come amid growing reactions from civil society organisations and community groups following the recent arrest of Arambai Tenggol members by the NIA, with several organisations continuing to demand their release while authorities have not yet publicly responded to the latest memorandum and demonstrations.
