Kanan Singh’s Arrest Not Linked to Arambai Tenggol, Says Manipur Governor to Lawmakers After All-Party Delegation Meets Amid Unrest

Ibomcha added, “He informed us that the four others detained along with Kanan will be released if no major charges are found during background checks.”

In a meeting held amid spiraling unrest in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla told an all-party delegation of MLAs and MP Sanajaoba that Arambai Tenggol leader Kanan Singh was arrested by the CBI in a personal case, and not for his association with the group. The Governor further assured that the four others detained by Manipur Police would be released after background verification if no serious charges are found.

The statement came during a meeting on Sunday afternoon at Raj Bhavan, where over 25 legislators from across party lines, BJP, NPP, Congress and MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba met the Governor to express concern over the recent arrests that triggered widespread violence, curfew, and a communication blackout across the valley districts.

The all-party delegation was led by Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabarta and included MLAs Yumnam Khemchand, Thongam Biswajit, Karam Shyam, L. Ibomcha, H. Dingo Singh, Deben, L. Premchandra, Kebi Devi, Ranjan Yumnam, S. Rajen, RK Imo Singh, L. Rameshwor, K. Robindro, Md. Seikh Nurool Hassan, Kh. Loken, Th. Radheshyam, Thongam Shanti, Dipu Gangmei, Th. Shyamkumar, T. Robindro Singh, Y. Radheshyam, Okram Surjakumar, Th. Lokeshwar, Basanta Singh, Susindro Meitei, and MP Sanajaoba.

Speaking after the meeting, Congress MLA O. Surjakumar said, “The Governor clarified to us that Kanan Singh was arrested in an individual case, and not as part of any action against the Arambai Tenggol group. The CBI must issue a public clarification.”

BJP MLA L. Ibomcha also said that the Governor assured them that he appreciated the humanitarian support extended by Arambai Tenggol during the recent flood crisis and stressed that he is not against the group. Ibomcha added, “He informed us that the four others detained along with Kanan will be released if no major charges are found during background checks.”

The meeting was also attended by senior security officials including the Security Advisor, IGAR (South), IG CRPF, DGP, ADGP (Ops), ADGP (Law and Order), DIG BSF, and the Home Commissioner.

The situation in Manipur escalated after Kanan Singh and four others were picked up from Uripok around 9:00 to 9:30 PM on Saturday night, reportedly triggering violent protests near Imphal Airport, torching of security vehicles, and road blockades. Several protestors were also injured.

In response, the state government imposed curfew and suspended mobile internet and data services in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts for five days starting late Saturday night. The government cited concerns over social media misuse to justify the digital blackout.

Authorities also imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the affected districts, banning gatherings, rallies, and public processions. Only medical services and media personnel have been exempted.

Protesters have since announced a ten-day total shutdown in the valley, further escalating tensions. The all-party delegation urged the Governor to ensure peace returns swiftly and that transparency is maintained in all future law enforcement actions.

Also Read: Fresh Violence Rocks Manipur, Curfew Imposed, Internet Shut in Imphal Valley Districts

For more news and updates, visit: Northeast Live

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