Manipur: Meira Paibi Group Urges Governor to Release Former Arambai Tenggol Members
Imphal, June 22: A women’s organisation from Manipur’s Imphal West district on Monday submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, demanding the immediate release of former members of Arambai Tenggol who were recently arrested by security agencies in connection with ongoing investigations.
The memorandum was submitted by the Apunba Meira Paibi Lup of Keishamthong constituency. The organisation also warned that it would launch prolonged protests and intensify its agitation if its demand for the release of the arrested individuals is not addressed.
Speaking to reporters, the organisation’s representative, Thokchom Chandrasakhi Devi, said members had initially planned to meet the Governor personally to present their concerns. However, after being informed that a prior appointment was required, the memorandum was formally submitted to the Raj Bhavan.
According to Chandrasakhi Devi, Arambai Tenggol was established as a socio-cultural organisation aimed at safeguarding the identity, culture, and interests of the Meitei community. She stated that many members had surrendered illegal weapons following a government appeal issued on February 20 last year and alleged that the surrender process was carried out with the understanding that participants would not face arrest in relation to previous incidents.
The organisation further claimed that several former members of Arambai Tenggol were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during operations conducted between June 18 and June 19. It also alleged that arrest memos were not provided during the course of the raids.
According to available reports, those arrested include Mutum Naoba (31) of Oinam Mamang Leikai, Haorokcham Manaocha (29) of Kangchup Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai, and Kangabam Somanand (42) of Tangkham Leikai. The arrests were reportedly made as part of an ongoing investigation into violence-related cases.
The women’s group expressed concern over the arrests and urged authorities to review the matter. It maintained that further action against former members could escalate public discontent and lead to wider protests across the region.
The organisation also cautioned that if additional arrests of former Arambai Tenggol members continue, it would intensify its agitation and pursue further democratic forms of protest.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the memorandum submitted by the organisation. Meanwhile, investigations by central agencies into various violence-related cases in Manipur remain ongoing.
