Imphal: Protests gripped the Imphal Valley on Thursday. Residents flooded streets across multiple assembly constituencies to demand the release of three Arambai Tenggol members taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency.
Uripok Apunba Lup members hit the pavement in the Lamphel area of the Uripok constituency. They hoisted placards and shouted slogans, pushing for the immediate freedom of the detainees. Similar scenes played out in the Lilong constituency, where the Arapti Apunba Nupi Lup and the Urup Arapti Development Co-ordinating Committee gathered a crowd at Arapti Ereima Emagi Laibung.
Women and locals dominated the crowds. Supporters argued the men only took up arms to defend Manipur and its citizens during recent ethnic violence. They noted that many village volunteers already turned in their weapons after the state Governor asked them to do so.
Speakers warned that these arrests threaten peace efforts. One participant stated, "The arrests could undermine ongoing efforts to restore normalcy and peace in the state." They argued that punishing men who previously complied with surrender calls creates deep distrust and halts reconciliation. Civil society groups continue to back these protests as tensions remain high throughout the valley.
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