In the last two years in Manipur, armed miscreants caused unrest and killings as a hapless state administration watched on—at times forcing it to “react” with conciliatory steps of law and order—largely demonstrating a failed approach that finally resulted in President’s rule in February.
With the CBI’s arrest of Ashen Kanan Singh, 46, a member of Arambai Tenggol (AT), at Imphal Airport on June 8, the tables seem to have turned with the clamp down not just on mischief mongers but also alleged miscreants who were operating both within and outside the system, indulging in unlawful activities like smuggling of arms. The allegations against Kanan overlap the period that saw civilians being armed in the tiny northeastern state, much to the horror of the state machinery.
Soon after President’s Rule was imposed in the state, Governor A.K. Bhalla urged warring groups to voluntarily surrender illegal arms to restore peace in the society. This was followed by action by central and state law enforcement agencies to seize illegal arms still floating within the state.
Kanan was a head constable in Manipur police who was terminated from service on March 3 this year for his involvement in various criminal activities including cross-border smuggling of arms, according to the CBI and state police.
Also read
- Congress asks Modi again 'When to Manipur?' as PM embarks on tri-nation tour
- Congress questions Amit Shah on Pahalgam terror attack, Manipur after home minister's 'established peace' claims
- Internet services cut, prohibitory orders imposed in 5 districts as fresh violence breaks out in Manipur
- Heavy rain batters northeast India; road, rail transport affected in Assam
“He was arrested for his criminal activities which include several acts of grave nature and involvement in unlawful activities and criminal cases registered against him,” said the Manipur police in a statement.
Sources said Kanan’s dismissal came after he was found indulging in illegal activities. During the ethnic clashes witnessed in Manipur in May 2023, he was still in police service. It is learnt that he went missing soon after the clashes and police records did not find him “on duty “ since. Inquiries and disciplinary action followed, sources said, and his criminal activities came to light. His services were terminated in March after it was proved that he was involved in arms smuggling among other illegal activities, a senior police official said .
Following his arrest, protests have erupted in the valley areas prompting security forces to curtail internet facilities. The Arambai Tenggol is back on the streets, but this time it is in “reaction” to the crackdown by law enforcement agencies.
“The action is being taken against individuals indulging in illegal activities and not any organisations,” said a senior government official. It will be a matter of further investigation to understand the modus operandi and conspiracy behind the arms smuggling racket.
“This time it is not the state machinery which is on the back foot. Rather, it is the criminals and miscreants who are reacting to the action by law enforcement agencies,” said a senior security official .
Meanwhile, the NIA has arrested three insurgents in a case related to a deadly attack on security forces that had killed two police commandos and injured several others in Moreh, on January 17, 2024.
The NIA said, “Thangminlen Mate, a member of Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT), was apprehended on May 19 in Silchar, Assam. Two other accused who were part of the team who executed the deadly attack- Kamginthang Gangte, a member of the Kuki National Army (KNA), and Hentinthang Kipgen alias Thangneo Kipgen, associated with the Village Volunteers group in Churachandpur district, were arrested on June 6 from Manipur.”
These arrests have also triggered protests and rallies in the state.
While Manipur Police has appealed to the public not to support the call for such protests, which are being organised to support individuals involved in unlawful and criminal activities, the political pot is boiling once again in Manipur.
Former chief minister Biren Singh and his close confidants are in Delhi to brief central leaders. Sources said attempts are being made to suggest that people want a popular government in place instead of President’s Rule. However, security sources said, the need of the hour is not political jostling, but action against those who have kept the pot boiling in Manipur in the last two years.
