Police yesterday arrested Longjam Khaba Singh Boi, a commander of the radical Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, for the murder of Md Chesam Abdul Kadir, a differently‑abled man from Imphal West district. Authorities also detained at least seven Arambai Tenggol members and three civilians, intensifying public scrutiny and sparking protests in the region.
This high‑profile case highlights urgent concerns about vigilante violence and targeted attacks against vulnerable communities in Manipur.
Ministry of Home Affairs, India
What Happened After the Arambai Tenggol Leader Arrest
Investigators found Kadir’s body buried in a shallow grave in Samurou Naorem after he went missing on June 11. Officials exhumed the body on June 17 during a forensic-led investigation.
Then, on June 23, police arrested Boi (35) from a densely populated area in Imphal West. They also arrested ten suspects — seven alleged Arambai Tenggol operatives and three civilians — and registered a murder case under the IPC.
Meanwhile, Muslim organizations in the Imphal Valley condemned the crime and demanded swift justice for the differently‑abled victim.
Broader Impact and Rising Tensions
Soon after the arrest, tensions surged across Imphal. In response, the government imposed curfews and shut down internet services in five valley districts, aiming to prevent unrest . Additionally, Arambai Tenggol declared a 10‑day bandh, prompting protests, roadblocks, and scattered clashes with police.
While police used tear gas to restore order, several civilians reportedly received injuries . However, challenges persist as communities demand justice and stability.
Legal and Community Response
The United Meitei–Pangal Committee (UMPC) demanded the case transfer to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and demanded capital punishment for the accused . They also called for a comprehensive ban on armed vigilante outfits and increased protection for differently‑abled citizens.
Local MLA Kh Loken appealed for calm, warning that violence would only hinder investigations.
Why the Arambai Tenggol Leader Arrest Matters
This arrest highlights chronic issues facing Manipur:
- Rising vigilante violence targeting minority and vulnerable groups
- Militarization of fringe outfits like Arambai Tenggol, implicated in communal violence during 2023–2025 unrest
- The need to balance security measures and human rights when imposing curfews and internet bans
To address these challenges, lawmakers and civil society urge better policing, legal accountability, and community trust-building.
Final Thoughts
The Arambai Tenggol leader arrest marks a pivotal moment in Manipur’s ongoing efforts to curb extremist violence. Yet, the initial arrests must now translate into fair trials, restorative justice, and healing for communities.
Furthermore, this case offers a clear lesson: radical militancy and identity‑based violence cannot hold sway in a just society.
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