NEW DELHI, JUNE 8, 2025 – Manipur violence once again erupted in the Imphal valley over protests against arrests of five volunteers from the Arambai Tenggol group a Meitei group. The Manipur government imposed curfew in select districts, while also clamping down internet restrictions.
The state government shut down internet for five days after the violence erupted yesterday. In a circular issued by the state government, the internet shutdown was announced to avert “rumour mongering and spread of hate.”
Reports said that curfew has been imposed in Bishnupur in Manipur. Prohibitory orders have also been issued on gatherings of over five people in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Kakching districts.
Protesters came out in a large number in the Imphal valley, said reports. They added that the crowd stormed into a police post. They were allegedly protesting arrest of five volunteers of Arambai Tenggol, which belongs to the Meitei group. Sources said that one of the arrested activists is a commander of the group.
Reports said that an irate mob stormed the Kwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West. They were demanding the immediate release of the arrested individuals.
Security forces took action to disperse the crowd. A report by Deccan Chronicle said that “at least three people, including two journalists, sustained injuries.”
The daily, while quoting sources, said “protesters also clashed with security forces.” Efforts are underway by the security personnel to bring normalcy in the Imphal valley.
There were reports that a few youths threatened “self-immolation” as they held protests on the street. The state police mentioned Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts in the order for the shutdown of internet services.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hit out at the Centre for the prevailing situations in Manipur. “The pain, distress, and agony of the people of Manipur continues unabated. For the past 24 hours five districts–Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Katching, and Bishnupur–have been rocked by violence,” said Ramesh in a media statement.
The Congress MP claimed that “President’s Rule has made no difference. The Governor himself has been forced to travel from Imphal airport to his residence by helicopter. Law and order in many parts of the state remains in a state of peril.”
Manipur is battling ethnic strife since eruption of violence in 2022. The violence between the dominant Meitei and Kuki-Zo group left hundreds of people killed and many displaced.