The Manipur police on Thursday not only claimed that “members of Arambai Tenggol” were involved in the “attempt” on the life of a senior police officer and intimidating his family members on the evening of February 27 in Imphal but also accused the Meitei radical group of “engaging in many anti-social activities”.
Condemning the attack on additional SP (operations, Imphal West) Moirangthem Amit Singh, a media statement issued by the police on Thursday also shared details about what led to the incident, adding Singh was “also abducted, beaten and later released after timely intervention by the (police) department”.
The police said Arambai Tenggol members had “carried out targeted attack on” Singh and inspector P. Achouba Meitei — both of whom had conducted the search of two vehicles stolen/snatched by some unknown armed miscreants in Imphal on Tuesday.
The police statement assumes significance because it comes a day after police commandos in the valley districts staged a symbolic “arms down” protest and senior Manipur Police Service officers met chief minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday.
The statement also assumes significance because it comes a day after the Manipur Police had said in a post on X that "armed miscreants numbering 200" stormed the residence of additional SP Singh (MPS) in Imphal East district on Tuesday evening and vandalised household properties. “In the midst of the incident, the Addl SP and one of his escorts were abducted by the armed miscreants. They were later rescued...,” the post said.
The police had not named the Arambai Tenggol in the post. It is the first time the police have accused the radical group members of being involved in “anti-social activities”.
The Arambai Tenggol gained popularity among the youth in the valley following the conflict, espousing the cause of Meitei culture, identity and protection of Manipur integrity.
House resolution
The Manipur Assembly on Thursday “unanimously resolved” to urge the Centre to abrogate the suspension of operation (SoO) pact with all the Kuki-Zo militant groups.Abrogation of the SoO pact was one of the main demands of valley-based civil society organisations and political parties.
