IMPHAL, Feb 21: Protests have erupted across Manipur’s Imphal Valley districts after Assam Rifles detained atleast 24 youths from the Panjao-Pandum area of Kakching district, believed to be members of the Arambai Tengol (AT) group. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, led to widespread demonstrations, with protesters burning tyres in the middle of roads and forcing shops to shut down.

The protests began after the arrest of village volunteers in Kakching district, who were taken into custody during a security forces operation at Panjao Pallumda. These volunteers were later transported to a security forces camp at Phundrei in Thoubal district. In addition to the arrests, demonstrators voiced their anger against the swift action taken by Assam Rifles.

This wave of unrest follows a directive issued by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday, urging the public to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days. The governor emphasized that “strict action” would be taken against violators after the deadline expired.

The crackdown on the AT members and volunteers is seen as a response to increasing tensions in the state, which has been grappling with ongoing violence and unrest. While unconfirmed reports suggest that six of the detainees have since been released, the rest remain in custody at the time of this report.

The demonstrations have spread across multiple districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching, as residents voice their opposition to the actions of the security forces. Protesters also forced the closure of markets in Wangkhei, Uripok, Thangmeiband, and Khurai areas of Imphal.