The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested Asem Kanan Singh, a member of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, at Imphal Airport for his alleged involvement in criminal activities linked to the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur.

CBI Action and Case Details

According to an official CBI press release on June 8, Kanan was arrested at Imphal airport over his involvement in “various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023” and that he has been taken to Guwahati in connection with the investigation. The agency confirmed that the investigation is being conducted under the directions of the Supreme Court and that the trial of Manipur violence cases has been shifted from Imphal to Guwahati due to prevailing law and order concerns in the state.

FIR Overview and Criminal Allegations

Ashem Kanan Singh (46) was arrested by CBI in Imphal, Manipur. He was a Head Constable in Manipur Police till he was terminated from service on 3rd March 2025 for his involvement in various criminal activities including cross-border smuggling of arms.
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.

The arrest is linked to an FIR registered at Porompat Police Station, Imphal East, Manipur. The FIR states that on February 27, 2024, at around 6:55 PM, unknown armed individuals led by Korounganba Khuman, Robin Mangang, and Kanan, believed to be members of Arambai Tenggol and other unlawful organizations, attempted to assassinate Addl. SP (Ops), Shri Amit, MPS, at his residence at Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai, Imphal East.

The assailants allegedly opened fire, attacked his police escort team, abducted Shri Amit, snatched arms and ammunition from his escort, and damaged multiple vehicles and property. Hence, a suo-motto case under FIR no. 165(2)2024 PRT-PS u/s 307/365/379A/427/506/34 IPC, 16/20 UAP Act and 25(1-B)/ 25(1AB) A, is taken up for investigation.

The Arambai Tenggol, however, claims to be a social organisation with the stated objective, among others, of preserving Manipur’s territorial integrity. It has been helping with the rescue and relief operations under way in the flood-hit Imphal Valley.

Political Response and Public Unrest

On Sunday, June 9, a delegation of 26 MLAs, including Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, met with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan to discuss the law and order situation and seek clarification regarding Kanan’s arrest.

According to Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar, the Governor stated that the arrest was indeed made by the CBI in connection with an ongoing investigation. The four other Arambai Tenggol members arrested along with Kanan are currently under verification and will be released if not found involved.

In response to Kanan’s arrest, Arambai Tenggol announced a 10-day “total shutdown.” Protests quickly erupted across the Imphal valley, leading to widespread unrest:
• Protesters burned tyres at Uripok, Koirengei, and Khurai.
• Roads were dug up at Koirengei, blocking security force movement.
• Demonstrations were also reported in Jiribam, bordering Assam.

In anticipation of escalating tensions, the administration has imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in five districts of the valley region.