Imphal: Imphal descended into chaos on Saturday night (June 7) after the arrest of Kanan Singh, a suspended police commando and key leader of the controversial Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
In a dramatic display of protest, several young men were seen pouring petrol over their heads and threatening self-immolation, a video of which has now gone viral on social media.
The video footage shows a group of young men dressed in black T-shirts, holding bottles filled with petrol and issuing a chilling ultimatum. “We gave up our weapons. We helped during the floods like we were supposed to. Now you’re arresting us. We’ll end our lives,” one protester can be heard saying in the clip.
Have a look at the viral footage here:
The protests began shortly after Singh’s arrest by security forces and rapidly escalated. Roads in Imphal were blocked with burning tyres, and mobs took to the streets shouting slogans demanding Singh’s immediate release. The administration responded by suspending internet services for five days across five valley districts to contain the unrest.
Curfew, Gunfire, and Vehicles Set Ablaze
Tensions spiked overnight as mobs reportedly set fire to two buses and a jeep belonging to the security forces. Protesters also vandalised several CCTV cameras at major intersections. According to reports, nearly 50 gunshots were heard as security personnel were deployed to regain control.
In response to the escalating violence, a curfew was imposed in Bishnupur district, while prohibitory orders under Section 144 were enforced in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching.
Singh, accused in a February 2024 attack on a senior police officer’s residence and a related kidnapping, had been suspended from the Manipur Police. His arrest has now reignited long-standing ethnic and political tensions in the conflict-ridden state.
