Manipur: Authorities of 5 valley districts relax indefinite curfew as situation improves

IANS June 11, 2025 220 views

Manipur's five valley districts have seen a partial relaxation of the indefinite curfew following recent violent protests. The district administrations decided to ease restrictions from 5 am to 5 pm while maintaining night-time movement controls. The unrest began after the CBI arrested Arambai Tenggol leader Ashem Kanan Singh, triggering widespread demonstrations. Central and state forces remain deployed to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.

"We are relaxing the shutdown but protests would continue in a democratic manner" - Arambai Tenggol Spokesman
Imphal, June 11: With the improvement of the situation in Manipur, the district administrations of five valley districts relaxed the indefinite curfew on Tuesday, an official said.

Key Points

1

Curfew relaxed from 5 am to 5 pm in five Imphal valley districts

2

Protests erupted after CBI arrest of Arambai Tenggol leader

3

Mobile internet services remain suspended

4

Central and state forces deployed to maintain order

A Home Department official said that the situation in the five valley districts have been reviewed and it is deemed appropriate to partially relax the restrictions while ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order.

Separate orders issued by the district magistrates of five valley districts said that the curfew would be relaxed from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and movement of any person outside their respective residence is prohibited from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The five Imphal valley districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

However, there is no restriction for law enforcement agencies involved in law and order duties, emergency services, banking, and financial institutions.

Violent protests broke out on June 7 night following the arrest of Meitei radical outfit Arambai Tenggol leader Ashem Kanan Singh (46) by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

To control the situation, the state government has banned mobile internet and data services on June 7 midnight for five days and imposed an indefinite curfew in five Imphal valley districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

A large contingent of Central and state forces led by senior officials has been deployed in the five districts, especially in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, Arambai Tenggol on Tuesday announced that it would relax its 10-day Manipur shutdown call given from Sunday to protest the arrest of a senior leader of the group as well as against lodging of cases by security agencies.

A spokesman of the outfit said that they are relaxing the shutdown but protests would continue in a democratic manner. Manipur police earlier said that Arambai Tenggol leader Ashem Kanan Singh was arrested by CBI in Imphal and taken to Guwahati.

A Manipur police statement had said that Singh was a Head Constable in Manipur Police till he was terminated from service on March 3 (2025) for his involvement in various criminal activities including cross-border smuggling of arms.

He was arrested for his criminal activities which include several acts of grave nature and involvement in unlawful activities and criminal cases registered against him, the statement said.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see the situation improving in Manipur. The government must ensure lasting peace and address root causes of tension. Curfew relaxation is a positive step but security forces should remain vigilant. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Why does Manipur keep facing such disturbances? As an Indian, it pains me to see any part of our country in turmoil. Hope the authorities can find a permanent solution soon. The internet ban affects students and businesses badly.
A
Amit S.
The arrested leader was a terminated police officer involved in criminal activities? This shows how deep the rot goes. Kudos to CBI for taking action, but Manipur needs complete cleansing of such elements from all sides.
S
Sunita R.
Partial curfew relaxation is good but 5pm to 5am restrictions are still harsh for daily wage workers. The government should consider more flexible timings based on ground reality. My heart goes out to common people suffering due to these tensions.
V
Vikram J.
Northeast is our crown jewel but so sensitive. Hope both state and central governments work together to bring normalcy. The mention of cross-border arms smuggling is worrying - need stronger border security too.
N
Neha P.
While I support maintaining law and order, the prolonged internet bans affect fundamental rights. There must be better ways to handle situations without cutting off communication completely. #ManipurNeedsPeace

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Tags:
Manipur Unrest Imphal Valley Arambai Tenggol CBI Arrest Curfew Ashem Kanan Singh