Current Situation in Manipur
Manipur remains engulfed in an ethnic conflict primarily between the Meitei (valley) and Kuki-Zo (hill) communities—a conflict that erupted in May 2023. So far, the clashes have resulted in over 260 deaths, widespread displacement, and extensive property damage across both valley and hill districts .
Roots of Ethnic Violence
The violence began in May 2023 after the Meitei community protested perceived demographic threats from hill tribes, leading to tit-for-tat communal violence. Both sides formed or re-activated insurgent groups like the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (Meitei) and Kuki militia units, escalating an already tense situation . The conflict has also been aggravated by cross-border dynamics, including arms flow and refugee movements from Myanmar .
🛡️ Government Measures
President’s Rule & Security Crackdown
The state has been under President’s Rule since February 2025. Security forces—including army and paramilitary units—have conducted extensive operations, seized weapons caches, and arrested militants .
Internet & Mobile Blackout
As of 11:45 pm on June 7, 2025, the state government ordered a five-day suspension of all internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Official rationale: to curb circulating inflammatory content and rumours that could further inflame the violence .
Additionally, prohibitory orders (curfews and bans on gatherings) have been imposed in these districts; in Bishnupur, a total curfew is in place, while Imphals, Thoubal, and Kakching face strict section 144 restrictions .
🚨 Latest Flashpoint: Arrest of Meitei (Arambai Tenggol) Leader
On June 7, 2025, security forces including the NIA arrested Asem Kanan (a senior commander of Arambai Tenggol) and possibly other Meitei group volunteers in Imphal West .
Street Protests
The arrests triggered immediate demonstrations across Imphal Valley—Kwakeithel, Uripok, Sagolband, and more. Protesters torched barricades, a bus, and clashed with forces; tear gas and a few rounds of live fire were used. At least one protester and a journalist were injured .
Political Response
Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba—a ceremonial “king” from Manipur—showed up at unrest sites, addressing security forces. He was seen urging calm and even offering himself for arrest alongside detained MLAs .
Flashpoint Extension
Unverified reports suggest protests also sprang up in Moreh, a Kuki-Zo border town near Myanmar, following concerns over mixed-community arrests.
🎯 Impact and Wider Repercussions
Loss of Life & Displacement
The renewed unrest has further strained communal relations and risked another wave of violence displacing thousands more.
Communications Blackout Effect
The internet shutdown aims to prevent escalation but has also disrupted normal life—impeding emergency alerts, news access, and remote work in these affected districts.
Stalled Peace Talks
Dialogue efforts—including between Kuki-Zo and Meitei leadership—have now become more tenuous. In January 2025, a ‘Kuki‑Zo Council’ had formally petitioned for talks, which are currently stalled amid escalating retaliations .
⏭️ What Comes Next?
Factor What to Keep an Eye On:
Communication Whether the internet shutdown is extended beyond June 12, 2025
Security Arrests Any further detentions across insurgent networks
Community Response Escalation or de-escalation of protests, especially in border areas
Political Engagement Resumption of formal talks and Central government mediation
✅ Summary
Today’s arrest of a prominent Meitei (Arambai Tenggol) commander and the subsequent five‑day internet shutdown in five key valley districts mark the most significant escalation in recent weeks. The measures, aimed at deterring immediate unrest, have polarized communities further and introduced unpredictable elements into an already fragile peace process.
