Latest news with #LeishembaSanajaoba
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Deport illegal immigrants before census: Manipur MP
Imphal: Manipur Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on Monday sought detection, identification and deportation of illegal Myanmarese and Bangladeshis from Manipur before the commencement of national census and delimitation process. "It will be very unfortunate for the indigenous people of Manipur if the census operation is carried out before detection, identification and deportation of illegal Myanmarese and Bangladeshis who have already settled in different parts of Manipur," Sanajaoba said during the 'special mention' in the ongoing monsoon session. Pointing out that the ministry of home affairs has already asked states and Union Territories to detect, identify and deport illegal Myanmarese and Bangladeshis within one month with effect from May 19, 2025, he lamented that no concrete steps are seen taken up from state govt till date. The national census is set to begin on March 1, 2027. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Express View: In Manipur, the state must reassert its authority
Manipur has a long and complex history of insurgency rooted in issues of ethnic identity. Historical grievances have led to the formation of militant groups within both the Meitei and the Kuki communities, like the United National Liberation Front, the People's Liberation Army, the Kuki National Army and the Zomi Revolutionary Army. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland has a significant presence in northern Manipur. When ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, these networks of militancy were reactivated. The failure of the Centre and the state government to bring the situation under control has, in many areas, entrenched the hold of these groups. This was evident in the recent protests in Imphal over the arrest of a top leader of the Arambai Tenggol (AT) by the CBI. Asem Kanan Singh, the self-styled 'army chief' of the AT, was picked up by security forces along with four other members of the outfit for involvement in 'various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023'. Originally framed as a 'socio-religious' body — founded by BJP MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba — the AT now operates as an armed militia. Its proclivity for violence, extortion and intimidation is well documented. In what was a chilling demonstration of its power, the AT infamously 'summoned' all the elected Meitei legislators in the state, including ministers, to a meeting at the Kangla Fort in January 2024. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had alleged back then that the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president, K Meghachandra, was assaulted in this meeting. The state government, led by N Biren Singh, was either unable or unwilling to crack down on this group. Manipur's descent into militia-fuelled politics underscores the urgent need for the state to reassert its authority. It must reclaim its role as the mediator between Meiteis and Kukis — a task that demands political leadership with credibility across ethnic lines. Following Singh's resignation and the imposition of President's Rule in February, the Centre has attempted to stabilise the situation, even as some MLAs (none of them Kuki) push to restore a popular government. It must do more. The Centre must send an unequivocal message: Unlawful activities by groups like the AT will face zero tolerance. The threat is not one-sided. Around the same time as Asem Kanan Singh's arrest, the NIA arrested three Kuki insurgents accused of attacking a police post and killing two commandos in Moreh in January 2024. The state must convince all communities that peace and prosperity cannot be sacrificed at the altar of ethnic rivalry.
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why Manipur needs a lot more attention
Manipur, which had been relatively calm for the last few weeks after large-scale violence spanning two years, is now on edge again following the arrest of an important functionary of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), while some other members of the Meitei outfit have been detained for questioning. After being arrested at Imphal's airport by the CBI, Kanan Singh was moved to Guwahati, where conflict-related trials are being held as per the directions of the Supreme Court. He is said to be a suspended head constable attached to a commando unit of the state police and is accused of being involved in crimes against tribal minorities. The valley districts, dominated by the Meiteis, have witnessed violence after news of the arrest spread. The threat of self-immolation and a total shutdown cannot be taken lightly. In order to prevent protesters from spilling out onto the streets, the government (President's Rule has been in place in Manipur since February this year) has issued prohibitory orders and imposed a five-day shutdown of all internet services. Founded as a 'socio-religious' group by BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba (who is also the titular king of Manipur) sometime in 2020, the AT has transformed into an armed militia, openly flaunting its weapons and resorting to documented violence and extortion. It should be remembered that Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president, K Meghachandra, was brutally assaulted in Imphal's Kangla Fort by the AT at a 'meeting' in which the latter had 'summoned' dozens of MLAs. Similar treatment has also allegedly been meted out to policemen who refused to comply with AT's demands. The AT's boots on the ground have garnered a lot of support among the Meitei majority community due to their 'promise' to supposedly 'protect' the territorial integrity of Manipur. Their cadres, however, are said to have been involved in the looting of weapons from the armouries of the Manipur Rifles and the India Reserve Battalions. Large quantities of these weapons and ammunition have still not been returned, despite Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal to people of all communities to surrender them. Indeed, they remain available to criminals and rioters for the further perpetuation of violence, keeping the cycle of instability alive. The substantial influence that AT wields can be gauged from the fact that it is reported to have met the Governor a day before the deadline for depositing the weapons, submitting its own memorandum of demands. It is surprising that, while several militant and separatist outfits of different ethnic communities in Manipur have been banned in the past, given the state's constant engagement with insurgency, the AT continues to escape a ban, despite its documented involvement in illegal activities. The situation in Manipur is extremely serious. A lot of time has been lost due to the inexplicable lack of attention to the structural problems by both central and state authorities. Only after the imposition of President's Rule and the resignation of N Biren Singh were some concrete steps towards peace taken. But these will not be enough if openly hostile and violent groups like the AT are not made to cease their activities. Security forces must be tasked proactively. The looted weapons and ammunition must be returned to the armouries at the earliest, failing which violence can recur at any time. The Government must act swiftly to restore its authority and regain the confidence of all communities. If necessary, the constitutional provision of President's Rule should be extended. Those responsible for violence must be brought to justice without fear or favour. The state must not bend to the mob. Kanan Singh's case will be a test. The government must also carry out a massive outreach to convince the masses of the necessity of giving up parochial ethnic considerations in favour of progress, development, and prosperity. That is the only way to bring closure to the victims of violence. It is a matter of national shame that in two years of conflict, at least 250 people have died and thousands continue to languish in relief camps across the state. The writer is a retired additional director general (ADG) of the Border Security Force
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Manipur cuts internet in 5 districts: Mobile services shut; crackdown follows protest flare-up
NEW DELHI: The Manipur government has suspended internet and mobile data services in five key districts for five days, citing a serious law and order situation and the risk of social media being misused to spread inflammatory content. The order, issued late on 7 June by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, affects Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. The official directive stated, 'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts… there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation. ' The government cited an 'imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property' and the risk of 'wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony' due to the circulation of false rumours and inflammatory material on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The suspension, according to the order, covers internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, and took effect from 11:45 pm on 7 June. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,' it noted. The action followed protests on Saturday night in Imphal East and Imphal West, where demonstrators took to the streets after the arrest of a leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol. Protesters reportedly blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture in areas like Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the leader's release. In a video widely circulated online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba appeared to confront security personnel, urging them to arrest him alongside another MLA if such arrests continued. The unrest coincided with an intensified security crackdown. Police confirmed the arrest of three militants from banned groups including the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK). Weapons, IEDs and mortars were also recovered during search operations in multiple districts. The state remains tense amid ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. President's rule was imposed in February this year after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Tensions in Manipur over arrest rumours of volunteers of Meitei outfit
Two journalists and a civilian were injured as tensions flared in Imphal city late on Saturday evening following unconfirmed reports of the arrest of five volunteers of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei group, including one of the group's commanders, people familiar with the matter said. An irate mob stormed the Kwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West, demanding the immediate release of the arrested individuals. In response, security forces fired several rounds to disperse the crowd. During the incident, at least three people, including two journalists, sustained injuries. According to unconfirmed reports, the arrests were made at around 2.30pm by a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba was also seen at the scene, attempting to speak with senior security personnel regarding the situation. In a purported video circulated on social media groups, Leishemba could be heard saying, 'We tried very hard to bring peace. If you do such things, how will peace come? Arrest me along with the MLA....' There was not official statement from the Manipur police till the time of going to press. ALSO READ | Union Home secretary discusses border fencing, law & order situation with Manipur Governor Separately, officials in New Delhi said that the Union home ministry representatives will hold a meeting with representatives of Kuki-Zo militant groups, who are signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the Centre. They are expected to meet in the national capital on Monday. This is the first general meeting since the pact was put in abeyance last year. While there was no confirmation from the MHA or the Manipur-based groups, a person aware of the details said all representatives from SoO will attend the meeting. 'All representatives from the SoO groups will be in Delhi. This is the first general meeting called by the MHA. We do not know if Manipur state administration officials will be present or not. It was a tripartite agreement between our groups, state government and Centre to suspend all operations from both sides,' this person said requesting anonymity. The tripartite SoO agreement was signed by the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki militant groups in August 2008, and was renewed every year until February 28 last year when it was kept abeyance. The renewal process was halted after allegations against SoO group cadres indulging in the ethnic clashes in Manipur and training village defence volunteers — the groups have denied both charges. The person cited above said that over the last year, SoO groups have addressed some queries raised by the MHA. 'The ground rules for the pact were set to be revised so MHA has asked SoO groups many questions. All these were presented to the MHA. We expect something positive from the meeting,' the official added. The questions pertained to location of camps, the weapons that are in a double lock system and the need for having new camps. ALSO READ | Protest over 'Manipur' name removal on govt bus; Police fire tear gas, 8 injured While former chief minister N Biren Singh and his MLAs have demanded that the SoO agreement be cancelled, Kuki-Zo groups and their legislators have requested Centre to renew the pact. At the time of the signing of agreement in 2008, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) agreed to cease any form of violence. The central and state governments also agreed that no force (army, paramilitary, or state police) would launch operations against the signatories as long as they abide by the terms of the agreement. However, the SoO was unilaterally suspended by the Biren Singh government on March 2023 — roughly two months before the ethnic clashes broke out — saying that some members of the groups were illegal migrants. The suspension, along with a Manipur high court order that directed the state to ensure Meiteis get the scheduled tribes status, are believed to be triggers for the violence that has roiled the state for over two years. A senior security official, who asked not to be named, said, 'Agencies have regularly given reports about the SoO groups. There have been cases of SoO militants being arrested in some cases of violence during the last two years. It is a critical issue. Whatever happens to the SoO pact will definitely have an impact in Manipur. They are influential and have a lot of clout among not just Kuki-Zo civilians but also their political leaders.' The earlier rules of the SoO pact directed cadres of the militant groups to stay in designated camps, with the routine administration of camps being handled by the groups. The rules also mandated that no more than 20% of cadres will be allowed to leave the camp at any given time. State government and joint monitoring group (JMG) members were to conduct inspections at the camp to check for violations. All weapons were to be held within the camp's armoury in a double locking system, with one key being with the group and other with the concerned security force.
