Senapati: The Senapati district’s frontal organizations, including the Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), and Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA), have strongly condemned the recent physical assault on two individuals from the district, reportedly carried out by alleged members of Arambai Tenggol.
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V Hrangao Blesson Poumai, son of Veino from Kodom Khullen village, and Dalou Poumai, son of Hrinii from liyai Khullen village, both from Senapati District, who were returning from a livestock purchase in Thoubal, were allegedly detained at Lamshang by members of Arambai Tenggol, forcibly taken to their Unit 18 camp, and subjected to severe physical assault, resulting in multiple injuries. Additionally, ₹61,400 was seized from them at gunpoint. Despite presenting proof of their identities, the two were repeatedly threatened and assaulted with automatic weapons, violating their basic human rights and dignity.
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The district frontal organizations held a press conference at the NPO office to address the incident. During the conference, NPO President Kuba Peter voiced strong condemnation of the assault, stating that harassment and illegal taxes imposed on travelers from Senapati continue despite multiple appeals to the Meitei and Kuki communities to put an end to such actions. He warned that the NPO would no longer remain a silent spectator to these acts of harassment and extortion affecting the people of Senapati.
In the early hours of October 31, around 3 am, Blesson and Dalou were allegedly assaulted by Arambai Tenggol’s Unit 18 at Lamshang, and nearly ₹1 lakh in cash was taken from them. The NPO President criticized law enforcement for failing to prevent such incidents and demanded a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The NPO President also called on community leaders to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for human rights to prevent such incidents from recurring. The district organizations demanded that the Manipur government deliver justice to the victims within 48 hours; otherwise, they warned that they may be compelled to take further action. The President also urged all citizens of Senapati to remain vigilant and united in the pursuit of justice.
In a joint condemnation, the NPO, SDSA, and SDWA denounced the assault on V. Hrangao Blesson Poumai from Kodom Khullen village and Dalou Poumai from Liyai Khullen village. The statement highlighted that such acts undermine the principles of entrepreneurship, community contribution, and respect that society upholds.
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Arambai Tenggol, which claims to be a revivalist organization promoting the Sanamahi religion among the Meitei, has increasingly come under scrutiny for public harassment and violence. The frontal organizations raised concerns about AT’s actions, stating that such violence has no place in modern society. In a notice issued on Thursday, following the incident, the AT has denied any involvement of its Unit 18 on the October 30 episode. The AT maintained that they upon identifying the duo as Poumai Naga from Senapati were let go without any harm. It also added that KCP (Ibungo Ngangom) members are responsible.
One of the victims recounted to the media that they were stopped by a vehicle identified as Arambai Tenggol’s at around 3 am on October 31. Despite clarifying that they were en route to Senapati and belonged to the Naga community, they were allegedly taken to the group’s head office and severely beaten. The victims appealed to law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of travelers along the highway and to provide security against such assaults.
The district organizations reiterated their call for a swift response, urging police and judicial authorities to hold the assailants accountable. They also emphasized the importance of unity among district residents in their stand for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights.
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