Manipur: Curfew clamped in 5 Imphal districts after arrest of Meitei outfit leader

IMPHAL: After suspending Internet and mobile data services for five days in five Imphal valley districts, the district authorities have imposed curfew for an indefinite period in the same districts. The development came close on the heels of the arrest of Radical Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol (AT) member Kanan Singh by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from Imphal Airport on Sunday.

A senior official said that as a preventive measure, a curfew was imposed under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in five Imphal valley districts – Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching – for an indefinite period.

The district magistrates of these five districts, inhabited by Meitei community people, in separate orders early on Sunday, prohibited the assembly of five or more people and the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms, or sharp weapons under Section 163 of the BNSS.

Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, were suspended in these five valley districts late on Saturday night.

The situation in the five Imphal valley districts has remained highly tense since Saturday evening. A large contingent of central and state forces led by senior officials has been deployed in the five districts, especially in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, to bring the situation under control.

A CBI statement said that Singh was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. The information related to his arrest has been given to his family members.

The central agency is investigating Manipur violence cases as per the direction of the Supreme Court, and the trials of these cases have been shifted from Manipur to Guwahati in view of the law and order situation in Manipur.

The arrested AT member has been brought from Imphal to Guwahati, and he will be produced before the competent court for police remand.

Investigation is continuing, the CBI said.

A Manipur Police official said that AT member Kanan Singh and four other cadres were arrested for their involvement in various illegal activities. (IANS)

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