The Arrest of an Arambai Tenggol Leader for the Murder of a Differently‑Abled Man
Summary of the News Article
A leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, Longjam Khaba Singh (35), has been arrested in Imphal West on June 22, 2025, for his alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of Md Chesam Abdul Kadir, a differently-abled man who went missing around midnight on June 10–11. Kadir’s body was discovered buried in Samurou Naorem and exhumed on June 17. To date, ten people—including seven Arambai Tenggol members—have been arrested. The case sparked protests from Muslim organizations in the Imphal Valley, prompting a thorough criminal investigation
Introduction: A Heart-Wrenching Incident
Have you ever heard a story that just stops you in your tracks? This one’s that kind of story. Imagine a man with mental challenges, going about his life, when one night he vanishes—only to be found buried days later. That’s the tragic tale of Md Chesam Abdul Kadir, a differently-abled man who disappeared around midnight on June 11 in Imphal West, Manipur. His body was discovered buried in Samurou Naorem and exhumed after a harrowing few days .
And the shock doesn’t stop there. In connection with his murder, the main accused is now a leader of Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei outfit. In total, ten people—seven from AT and three civilians—have been arrested. This crime has unleashed waves of protests and tensions in an already volatile region
1. Who Was Abdul Kadir? A Life Gone Too Soon
Chesam Abdul Kadir was a resident of Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West. Described as differently-abled, some reports say he had intellectual disabilities, though specifics are unclear. On the night of June 10–11, he disappeared after being accused of theft—a claim denied by his family
What followed was devastating: relentless searching by distraught family, anxious waiting in the dark, and a gut-wrenching discovery when his body was exhumed on June 17 with forensic teams and family members present
2. The Arrest: Main Accused Linked to Arambai Tenggol
2.1 Longjam Khaba Singh – The Arrested Leader
On June 22, the Manipur Police announced the arrest of Longjam Khaba Singh (age 35), from Yumnam Huidrom Thiyam Leishangkhong—a leader in Arambai Tenggol, allegedly the mastermind behind Kadir’s murder
He was taken into custody in Mongsangei Makha Leikai near Puthiba Laibung Complex, Imphal West
2.2 Ten People Held
In total, ten suspects are under arrest. Seven are from Arambai Tenggol; three are civilians. Authorities have also seized several vehicles believed to be linked to the crime
4. From Disappearance to Discovery: The Investigation Timeline
Night of June 10–11: Abdul Kadir is accused of theft and disappears
Days later: His absence triggers search efforts.
June 17: Body exhumed in Samurou Naorem under magistrate, forensic team, and family presence .
June 17 onward: Initial six arrests (three AT members, three civilians) take place .
June 22: Khaba Singh is arrested; cumulative arrests reach ten .
5. Chemical Reaction: Community Outrage & Tension
5.1 Protests & Strong Reaction
The arrest and brutality have mobilized Muslim groups in the Imphal Valley. Protests erupted, with calls for swift, strict justice. These groups are outraged over the killing of a vulnerable, mentally challenged man
5.2 Rising Communal and Ethnic Strain
This isn’t taking place in a vacuum. The ongoing ethnic strife between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continues to simmer. Such killings can act like throwing a stone into a pond—sending ripples that destabilize fragile peace
FAQs
1. Why is the victim referred to as differently-abled?
Media reports identify Abdul Kadir as differently-abled—indicating intellectual or mental challenges—which makes the crime even more reprehensible
2. Who is Longjam Khaba Singh?
He’s a 35‑year‑old Arambai Tenggol leader, arrested on June 22. Police say he masterminded the killing
3. How many suspects are arrested?
Ten suspects in total—seven from AT and three civilians. Vehicles linked to the crime scene have also been seized
4. What triggered the murder?
Initial reports suggest a theft accusation, though the family denies it. The killing’s exact motives are under investigation by police .
5. Is Manipur facing communal unrest over this?
Yes. Muslim groups in Imphal Valley have held protests demanding justice. Given ongoing ethnic tensions, calm and transparent policing are crucial going forward .
Final Thoughts: Justice for Abdul Kadir, Balance for Manipur
The arrest of an influential Arambai Tenggol leader brings us to a critical crossroads. This case is not just a brutal crime—it’s a moment demanding moral clarity, legal precision, and communal empathy.
We all need to watch three things:
- Will the investigation proceed without bias?
- Will the trial deliver swift justice?
- Will leaders and citizens come together to prevent flare-ups of ethnic or communal anger?
Abdul Kadir was vulnerable. His death demands a measured yet powerful state response. For Manipur, it’s a test of whether legal systems and communal unity can genuinely protect the disadvantaged. Let’s hope they can—and do.
