Ukhrul, Feb 21: Widespread protests erupted across Kakching and other parts of Manipur after Assam Rifles arrested at least 28 members of the Arambai Tenggol on Friday, allegedly violating the Governor’s seven-day deadline for surrendering illegal weapons. All detainees were eventually released following intense public agitation.
According to reliable sources, a team of 46 Assam Rifles personnel conducted a pre-dawn raid on Arambai Tenggol Unit 26 Camp at Kakching Wairi Panjao. As news of the arrest spread, a large crowd gathered, forcing the security forces to change their route. The situation escalated when protestors blocked an Assam Rifles vehicle and detained five personnel.
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Tensions heightened after it was revealed that at least 10 of those arrested were students appearing for the ongoing BoSEM and CoHSEM board examinations. Following public pressure, these students were immediately released after being handed over to Kakching Police, and the remaining detainees were also freed later. Meanwhile, the weapons recovered by Assam Rifles remain in the custody of Kakching Police.
Protestors expressed discontent over the early arrests, arguing that the Governor’s seven-day deadline for voluntary weapon surrender had not yet expired. They accused authorities of singling out valley areas for crackdowns while failing to take similar actions in the hill regions.
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It may be noted that Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, in a public notice on Thursday, urged all communities—particularly the youth of both valley and hills to voluntarily surrender illegal weapons within seven days at the nearest police station, outpost, or security forces camp. He assured no punitive action for those who comply but warned of strict consequences for anyone found with illegal arms after the deadline.
However, locals remain frustrated over what they see as an unfair enforcement of the weapon surrender order, demanding that similar crackdowns be carried out in all regions, not just the valley.
Protesters were seen burning rubber tires on the streets in various parts of the state, including Yairipok Bazaar and Oinam, in protest against the arrest of the Arambai Tenggol members. Besides, locals in Moirang Bazaar staged a protest today demanding the immediate release of the arrested ‘village volunteers’.
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