Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Activists from the Apunba Meira Paibi Lup in Keishamthong submitted a formal memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on June 22. The group is demanding the immediate release of three former members of the Arambai Tenggol organization who were recently taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency.
The detainees have been identified as 31-year-old Mutum Naoba, 29-year-old Haorokcham Manaocha, and 42-year-old Kangabam Somanand. Security forces conducted the arrests during late-night operations held between June 18 and 19. According to the women's organization, these individuals were taken from their homes without the issuance of formal arrest memos.
Thokchom Chandrasakhi Devi, a representative for the group, stated that the organization is strictly socio-cultural and focuses on preserving the Meitei community identity. She claimed that these members only acted to defend the public after law enforcement failed to maintain order. Regarding the legal standing of the members, Devi noted that many surrendered their weapons following government directives issued on February 20 last year. She stated, "The surrender process was carried out on the understanding that no Arambai Tenggol members would face arrest for past incidents."
The activists were unable to meet the Governor in person due to a lack of a prior appointment, resulting in the memorandum being left at his office. The Apunba Meira Paibi Lup warned that if the government does not meet their demands for release, they are prepared to launch various forms of public agitation to protest the ongoing crackdown.
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