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Manipur in Crisis: Protests Turn Violent Amid Arrests and Rising Tensions

Manipur, a state that has witnessed a prolonged spell of ethnic tension and political unrest, is once again in the grip of chaos. The delicate calm that had barely returned in recent months has been shattered following the arrest of several members of a prominent Meitei group. As violence spirals across the valley districts, the government has imposed curfews and snapped internet services to prevent the situation from escalating.

The Spark: Arrests Trigger Fresh Wave of Violence

On Saturday night, state authorities arrested a leader and some members of the controversial Meitei organization Arambai Tenggol, a group that has been deeply involved in the recent ethno-political conflict in the state. While the reasons behind the arrests remain officially unclarified, local sources suggest it was part of a broader crackdown aimed at curbing increasing militia-like behavior in civilian movements.

The arrest news quickly spread across Imphal and other Meitei-majority areas, sparking outrage. By Sunday morning, large groups of youth and women were on the streets, raising slogans and demanding the immediate release of the detainees.

Violence on the Streets: From Protest to Fire

What began as a protest quickly escalated into a violent standoff. Angry demonstrators torched old furniture and tyres in the middle of key roads. A bus, as captured in the widely circulated image, was completely gutted, smoke billowing from its charred skeleton. Shops were shut, traffic halted, and panic began spreading among the general public.

In one of the most alarming developments, some protestors were reported to have doused themselves with petrol, threatening to set themselves on fire. This dramatic move was meant to showcase their desperation and draw urgent attention to their demands. Though security personnel intervened in time to prevent fatalities, the message was clear — the protestors were willing to go to any extent.

Airport Besieged: Protestors Clash with Security Forces

One of the more strategically significant moves by the protestors was the siege of Imphal Airport. Demonstrators gathered around its entry points, attempting to block movement and force the government to take their demands seriously. This action led to clashes with security forces, who used baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The airport remained on high alert throughout the day.

These developments were not isolated. Parallel protests were reported in other districts, spreading law enforcement thin and raising concerns over the state's capacity to handle a coordinated civil rebellion.

Internet Shutdown and Curfew: A Familiar Response

In a move now familiar to residents of Manipur, the state government once again imposed a blanket curfew in several volatile districts. Alongside, internet services were suspended indefinitely to prevent the circulation of inflammatory content on social media and messaging apps.

While these measures may help contain the violence temporarily, they also cause severe disruption to daily life. Students, businesses, emergency services, and journalists are all affected by the shutdowns, contributing to growing frustration and fear among ordinary citizens.

Underlying Tensions: A State Still Healing

The immediate cause of this protest might be the arrests, but the deeper reasons lie in the still-unhealed wounds of last year’s ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Hundreds of lives were lost, thousands displaced, and the once-fragile trust between communities was shattered. Groups like Arambai Tenggol have risen from this backdrop — partly as cultural defense fronts and partly as vigilante forces — leading to further complications in peace-building efforts.

The valley and hill districts remain sharply divided in political allegiance, cultural narratives, and access to power. For many in the Meitei community, the arrests represent a state apparatus that is targeting their identity and survival. On the other hand, rights activists and observers argue that organizations acting like armed militias must be brought under legal control.

Government’s Balancing Act

The state and central governments are walking a tightrope. On one hand, there is pressure to maintain law and order, rein in radical groups, and ensure civilian safety. On the other, any action perceived as targeting a particular community could flare up sentiments again. Peace in Manipur now demands more than administrative measures — it requires political courage, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine effort at reconciliation.

The Road Ahead: Time for Dialogue and Healing

Violence has never been a sustainable solution to political and ethnic grievances. The people of Manipur — regardless of community — are exhausted from living in fear, lockdowns, and economic paralysis. It is time for civil society, religious leaders, and government representatives to sit across the table and talk.

The youth of Manipur, who are now leading protests, need spaces where their voices are heard without guns or fire. Rebuilding peace will require demilitarization of minds, not just streets. The latest round of violence is a wake-up call for India — to not ignore the Northeast, to not abandon Manipur, and to not let silence substitute for justice.

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Conclusion

The unrest in Manipur is not just a law-and-order issue — it is a social and emotional crisis fueled by years of neglect, injustice, and failed governance. What the state needs today is empathy, inclusion, and a well-orchestrated roadmap to peace.

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