IMPHAL, June 11: In a bold and unconventional move, Manipur Police has replaced handcuffs with brooms and shovels, launching a “community service” programme for dozens of youths detained during violent protests that erupted across various districts in the Imphal valley since June 7.
This unconventional move follows intense unrest triggered by the arrest of prominent Arambai Tenggol leader Asem Kanan Singh and four associates. Singh, a dismissed head constable of the Manipur Police, was wanted in multiple cases, including the February 27, 2024, attack by armed Arambai Tenggol members on the residence of Imphal West Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), Moirangthem Amit. His arrest was made during a joint operation conducted by the Manipur Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The protests saw widespread agitation, with demonstrators demanding the unconditional release of Singh and the others. This led to Arambai Tenggol calling for a 10-day bandh, which was eventually called off on Tuesday.
Instead of pressing formal charges that could impact the future of the young detainees, the Manipur Police chose a path of reform. Over three dozen youths, detained for their involvement in the protests, were directed to clean the very streets they had helped block or damage—armed not with weapons, but with brooms and shovels.
These youths were tasked with clearing roadblocks, burnt tyres, and concrete debris across various parts of the Imphal valley, the same areas affected during the three-day protest.
Police officials stated that this was a conscious effort to protect the futures of these “misguided youths” by offering them a second chance. The initiative draws upon the recently introduced Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Under Section 4(f) of the BNSS, first-time offenders involved in minor misconduct may be assigned community service instead of facing punitive legal action.
The visual impact of this approach has been profound. Widely shared photos and videos show young detainees sweeping the streets and clearing rubble—transforming from agitators to agents of civic responsibility. The initiative is being praised as a symbol of justice balanced with empathy and reform.
