Arrest of Meitei Leader Heightens Tensions in Manipur; Ex-CM Biren Singh Urges Calm

Manipur is experiencing heightened protests following the apprehension of Asheram Kanan Singh, a former head constable and member of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol (AT), by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Former Chief Minister Biren Singh has also called for peace in the region.

Kanan Singh was arrested on Sunday (June 9) for his alleged role in the 2023 ethnic violence in the state, as reported by officials, according to PTI.

Manipur Police confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Singh, 46, was dismissed from service on March 3, 2025, due to his engagement in criminal activities, including cross-border arms smuggling.
“He was apprehended for his criminal activities which involve several serious offenses and participation in unlawful activities and criminal cases registered against him,” the post stated.

CBI and NIA have released statements about recent arrests; details are as follows:
Ashem Kanan Singh (46) was arrested by the CBI in Imphal, Manipur. He was a Head Constable in Manipur Police until he was terminated from service on 3rd March 2025 for his…

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) June 9, 2025

Unrest in multiple districts 

Protests erupted in various valley areas on the evening of June 7, disregarding prohibitory orders in effect across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.

Demonstrators held torchlight marches, set fire to a government building, and clashed with police in areas like Kwakeithel, Singjamei, and Wangkhei, as reported by PTI.

In Imphal East, the sub-divisional collector’s office was set ablaze, causing partial damage to the structure and destroying official records. Protesters also blocked main roads with heaps of soil and burnt tires, while women’s groups demanded the swift formation of a state government. Currently, Manipur is under President’s Rule.

Appeal for calm by Biren Singh 

With unrest escalating, former chief minister (CM) N Biren Singh called for peace and unity before heading to Delhi with Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajoaba, as noted by PTI.

“I am en route to Delhi with Sanajaoba to inform central leaders about the state’s condition. I urge everyone, including mothers and brothers, to be cautious at this critical juncture,” he told reporters.

VIDEO | Imphal: Former CM N Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) addresses the media regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur.

(Full video available on PTI Videos- pic.twitter.com/AosxiXmCaJ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 9, 2025

Singh urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid emotional reactions, emphasizing the need to protect indigenous interests. “We must collaborate and abandon all forms of violence. Whatever steps we can take, we should unite and proceed carefully. We must not be driven by emotions,” he remarked.

The Manipur Governor conducted a security review on June 9 as violence persisted across multiple regions. Since May 2023, over 260 people have been killed, and thousands displaced due to the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities.