Manipur: Calls for release of arrested Arambai Tengol members intensify as women vendors stage protest at Ima Keithel

Demands for the release of arrested members of Arambai Tengol intensified on Tuesday, June 23 as women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Keithel staged a sit-in protest condemning the recent arrests carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A large number of women vendors participated in the demonstration at Khwairamband Ima Market, bringing business activities at the historic marketplace to a halt for the day.

The protesters collectively expressed dissatisfaction over the arrest of Arambai Tengol members and alleged that the government had earlier appealed for the surrender of illegal arms and weapons with assurances that no arrests would follow. According to the demonstrators, weapons were surrendered based on that assurance, but subsequent arrests have raised concerns over the credibility of such commitments.

Protesters displayed placards carrying messages including, “How can people trust future appeal, if today promise are ignored”, “Peace need trust. Trust needs honour. Honour your words. Honour the people”, and “Where is your promise”.

Speaking during the protest, one of the participants, L. Mema Devi, termed the arrests unfortunate and called for the unconditional release of those detained. She also urged authorities not to initiate further action against village volunteers or members of Arambai Tengol in the coming days.

She claimed that local volunteers and Arambai Tengol members acted during periods of insecurity and alleged that the government’s inability to adequately protect lives and property during the crisis compelled civilians to take measures for self-defence.

Mema Devi further stated that peace had gradually been returning to the valley and argued that the arrests at this stage could adversely affect the prevailing atmosphere. She warned that additional forms of protest could be launched if the arrested individuals are not released.

The National Investigation Agency has not issued any immediate response to the protest demands at the time of filing this report.