Arambai Tenggol Suspend '10-Days Shutdown'; Internet Ban Lifted

The Arambai Tenggol (AT) has suspended its 10-day 'total shutdown' in Manipur on the third day today with immediate effect. However, the group announced that 'democratic forms' of agitation will continue until the arrested Arambai Tenggol leader is released.

Arambai Tenggol leader Khwairakpam Robin Mangang made the statement on Tuesday, explaining that the decision to suspend the shutdown was made after considering the hardships faced by the people of Manipur.

On Saturday, security forces arrested five Arambai Tenggol members, including leader Asem Kanan. Kanan was formally taken into custody by a CBI team at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on Sunday and has since been transferred to Guwahati.

Robin strongly condemned the incidents that occurred during the bandh, clarifying that they were not orchestrated by the group. He stated that certain miscreants attempting to mislead AT's agitation were handed over to the group by local residents.

"Arambai Tenggol is not an armed group but a socio-cultural organization. However, due to the government's failure to protect indigenous people from attacks by Kuki narco-terrorists who are illegal immigrants, Arambai Tenggol volunteers took up arms in self-defense. As a result, the NIA, CBI, and state police have charged them under various criminal sections," Robin said.

He further said that some individuals exploited the bandh to commit crimes, including attacking police personnel and media representatives, as well as damaging vehicles using stones and slingshots.

Amid ongoing violence in Manipur and recent floods that have severely impacted communities, Robin explained that Arambai Tenggol decided to suspend the shutdown to alleviate public suffering.

Since Saturday (June 7), district administrations in the valley regions Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur imposed restrictions on movement to prevent further unrest. Although the Arambai Tenggol shutdown has been suspended, the government is yet to issue an order lifting the restrictions.

Markets, educational institutions, private establishments, and other sectors remain closed, with only a minimal presence of employees in government offices.

Meanwhile, the Home Department of Manipur has issued a new order partially lifting the suspension of internet and mobile data services. Signed by Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar on June 8, the order states that the exemption applies only to government offices and healthcare institutions.

Internet services were initially suspended in the valley districts of Manipur, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, following the arrest of five members of the Meitei group, Arambai Tengol, on June 7. The suspension, effective from 11:45 pm on June 7, was imposed for five days due to concerns over public safety, potential loss of life, and damage to property. Authorities cited the spread of inflammatory material and false rumors via social media as a major reason for the shutdown.

Since the arrest of 5 Arambai Tengol members including one of its leaders Asem Kanan on June 7 (Saturday) tension escalated in the valley districts. Later, on Sunday Kanan was formally arrested by a team of CBI from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.

The latest order clarifies that exemptions will be granted only through a whitelisting process managed by the IT Department of Manipur, with specific approval from the Home Department. Individuals seeking exemption excluding those in the recommended categories must present an identity card, a signed undertaking, and official deployment orders.