In rare pushback against Arambai Tenggol, Manipur police personnel lay down arms to protest cop’s abduction

According to a top police officer in the state, apart from the attack on police personnel by armed Arambai Tenggol members, the protesting police commandos have also been aggrieved by the alleged aid and support that the assailants received from the public on Tuesday night. The protest was carried out by police commandos stationed in various valley districts such as Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur.

Watch | Manipur police commandos on Wednesday staged a protest by laying down their arms as a show of disapproval against the abduction of an Additional SP with the state police, and attack on his home Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/wOZcHH2uk1

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) February 28, 2024

“When the general public are present in a situation like that, the police also cannot respond fully to the perpetrators because innocent people will die. The protest is against the actions of the Arambai Tenggol but also against the public at large. It is also meant to urge those at the top to act seriously against these anti-social elements,” said the officer.

The attack against Moirangthem came after some members of the group were picked up by police in connection with the theft of two vehicles. The police officer said that no disciplinary action is being contemplated against the protesting police personnel. “It is felt that their protest is warranted and that there has to be some pressure against this kind of a situation,” he said.

After the armed miscreants attacked Moirangthem’s house, additional security forces were rushed there and two people were injured in the ensuing exchange of fire.

Tuesday’s attack on the ASP’s residence comes about a fortnight after the Churachandpur SP’s office was mobbed, and the Churachandpur DC’s office and residence set ablaze, following the suspension of a Kuki police personnel.

In the valley districts, the Arambai Tenggol’s biggest show of strength with public support took place last month when all Meitei MLAs and MPs attended a meeting in Kangla Fort in Imphal in response to a “summons” by the group. Three MLAs were allegedly assaulted during the course of the meeting, which had taken place amidst heavy fortification of the venue.