In less than 24 hours after Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla issued a notification urging all communities, particularly the youth, to surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition, 28 members of the Arambai Tenggol, including its commander of the 8046 unit, surrendered at Kakching. This marks a significant achievement for security forces amidst their intensified crackdown on insurgent groups and armed village volunteers. The surrender is seen as a direct consequence of the Governor’s ultimatum and a major milestone since the enforcement of President’s rule in Manipur.
Security officials believe that the Governor’s call for voluntary surrender created a window of opportunity for Arambai Tenggol to lay down arms. Since the outbreak of conflict on May 3, 2023, Arambai Tenggol has been operating openly, with political patronage, actively engaging in combat with Kuki groups from the hills as well as security forces. Their surrender represents a pivotal shift in Manipur’s security situation, illustrating the effectiveness of the new approach under President’s rule.
Among the 28 cadres who surrendered, 10 were juveniles. According to police sources they were taken to a juvenile home but were later released to prepare for their board examinations. Security sources have confirmed that others will likely be released after some questioning, in line with the Governor’s assurance that no punitive action will be taken against those who voluntarily return looted or illegal arms within the designated timeframe.
A senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that available information indicates significant movements of arms and ammunition across the border, particularly near the Chindwin River. Reports suggest that Valley-based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) from Manipur were spotted near Homalin Township in the Hkamti district of Sagaing about a month before the deadly clashes in early February between the Burmese military junta and the alliance of People’s Democratic Forces (PDF) and the Kuki National Army Burmese (KNA-B). Since then, retaliatory attacks by the PDF have been so severe that many VBIGs, which had been supporting the Burmese junta, have been forced to flee their hideouts in the Sagaing region. According to the official, “There is an inward movement towards Manipur, and security signals are picking up these trends, so it won’t be long before more arrests and surrenders happen. Possibly, more looted arms will surface as well.”
In addition to the surrender of Arambai Tenggol members, the recent arrests of armed village volunteers further underscore the seriousness of the security forces’ efforts to stabilise the region. These arrests have not been without controversy, with some, including Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba, condemning them as part of a political agenda. Protests erupted across the Imphal Valley, with demonstrators burning tyres and obstructing roads, especially in Kakching, where 10 village volunteers were arrested early in the morning during a security operation. A senior security official in Imphal noted that despite attempts by protestors to disrupt markets and block shops, the CRPF managed to keep the situation from spiralling out of control.
The unrest has sparked debates about how to move forward. Many residents and security experts believe that instead of obstructing the arrests of those involved in illegal arms possession or the establishment of self-styled village volunteer forces, political leaders should step up and appeal to the public to work towards peace. A former police official emphasised that senior ministers from the now-suspended Biren Singh government should take the lead in calling for arms surrender and de-escalating the conflict. “As leaders, they should call for surrendering arms and help in lessening the conflict,” the official said.
The developments on Friday were preceded by the arrest of at least 17 insurgents from various banned outfits across four districts in Manipur within 24 hours. Security officials indicate that these numbers are likely to rise by evening. Most of the arrests have been of members of Meitei-dominated, valley-based banned groups, while the highest recovery of arms has occurred in the Kuki-dominated hills. Security forces have been equally relentless in cracking down on groups outside the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements. A significant arrest was that of the finance secretary of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a non-SoO group, in the Kaprang area of Churachandpur district.
According to a police statement, among those arrested in the valley, 13 insurgents from the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were apprehended on February 20 in Moirang Kiyam Leikai, Bishnupur district. The recovered materials included 27 cartridges, three walkie-talkie sets, camouflage uniforms, and tactical accessories. There has been no let-up in the arrests, with additional members of banned groups like the United National Liberation Front (P), Kangleipak Communist Party (City Meitei), and Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) being apprehended.
The tightening of security measures is proving effective, as insurgent groups in the region are feeling the pressure. The surrender of the Arambai Tenggol is seen as a reflection of the shifting dynamics in the state, possibly pointing toward a resolution to the nearly two-year-long conflict. Insurgent factions are already sending feelers to the central government through various channels, seeking inclusion in the SoO agreement, signaling a potential shift in their stance.
The Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), one of the oldest insurgent groups in the region, is reportedly pushing for inclusion in the SoO agreement. Sources close to the group suggest that the current developments could significantly alter the insurgency landscape, with a growing realization that the government is intent on resetting the dynamics of the insurgency in Manipur.
The recent surrenders, arrests, and heightened security operations signify a significant shift in Manipur’s ongoing conflict. While challenges remain, the actions taken by both the security forces and the state government, alongside the response from insurgent groups, suggest that Manipur may be moving toward a resolution—albeit amid ongoing tensions and complex political and ethnic divides.
