Biren Singh, MP, summoned to Delhi as Manipur unrest deepens
New Delhi, June 9: As violence and political uncertainty continue to grip Manipur, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba were summoned to New Delhi on Monday to brief the central leadership about the deteriorating situation in the state, according to Assam Tribune, a leading newspaper in Assam.
“I am going to Delhi along with Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba to apprise the higher authorities about the state’s situation,” Biren Singh told reporters before departing. “We will try to meet whoever is possible to find a solution at the earliest. Our focus must be on the welfare of the indigenous people,” report Assam Tribune.
Calling for calm, Biren Singh appealed to citizens to protest peacefully. “This is a crucial time for the state. Everyone, including mothers and brothers, should be careful in their actions and words,” he said.
According to The Assam Tribune, at least 21 people have been injured in protests that erupted after the June 7 arrest of Meitei, Arambai Tenggol’s leader A. Kanan. In retaliation, the outfit declared a 10-day total shutdown, which has since triggered widespread disruption across the Valley districts. Authorities have suspend internet services across the region to prevent the spread of unrest.
The arrest has reignited public anger and drawn attention back to Arambai Tenggol, a controversial Meitei outfit that rose to prominence during the May 2023 ethnic violence. Formed in 2020 as a socio-cultural organisation, the group has evolved into a militarised force, claiming to protect Meitei interests and culture.
Demonstrators have blocked roads with dug-up debris and damaged public infrastructure. On Sunday night, unidentified miscreants torched the Sub-Divisional Collector’s office at Yairipok Tulihal in Imphal East, destroying official records and causing significant property damage. Police have launched an investigation into the arson. Meanwhile, Meira Paibis (women’s groups) intensified their demonstrations with torch rallies in Khurai and Singjamei, calling for immediate government formation in the politically paralysed state.
Tensions also remain high in Moreh, a border town in Tengnoupal district, where civil society organisations held rallies and enforced shutdowns over the weekend. These protests were prompted by the recent arrest of three Kuki insurgents by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the January 2024 ambush that killed two police commandos and injured several others. In response to the rising unrest, Manipur Police issued a statement urging the public not to support protest activities linked to individuals accused of “unlawful and criminal activities.”
