Manipur: Radical Meitei Group ‘Arambai Tengol’ Surrenders Weapons Amid Crackdown

Members of 'Arambai Tengol', a radical Meitei group in Manipur, surrendered their weapons to the state government on Thursday.

This development follows a directive from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who recently urged all communities to voluntarily return looted and illegally held arms and ammunition within seven days as part of efforts to end the ongoing ethnic violence in the state.

Photo Credit: PTI

Footage circulating on social media depicted members of the Meitei group travelling in a convoy of pickup trucks, transporting arms and ammunition.

On Tuesday, Arambai Tenggol had stated that it would only relinquish illegal weapons if its conditions were met. A delegation from the group had also held discussions with Bhalla.

"Bhalla also requested us to surrender the illegally possessed weapons... We presented certain terms and conditions and assured him that the weapons would be handed over if these conditions were fulfilled," said Arambai Tenggol's public relations officer, Robin Mangang Khwairakpam, though he did not disclose the specific demands.

The group also submitted a memorandum to Bhalla, calling for the fencing of the border with Myanmar, the implementation of the National Register of Citizens with 1951 as the cut-off, the deportation of "illegal immigrants", and the revocation of the suspension of operations agreement with Kuki groups.

Additionally, Arambai Tenggol sought assurances that no arrests or legal action would be taken against volunteers or armed civilians, including its members. It also demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community.

The ethnic violence in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023, has resulted in at least 260 deaths and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people.

The Arambai Tenggol group has been accused of carrying out attacks on Kuki tribals and destroying their homes.

Following the outbreak of violence, mobs looted weapons from state armouries, police stations, and outposts. Of the 6,000 stolen weapons, around 2,500 have been recovered so far.

Earlier this month, President's Rule was imposed in Manipur after N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister, shortly after Bhalla was appointed as the state's governor.