Internet blackout amid curfew in Manipur following arrest of Meitei leader

Internet services have been suspended for five days across five districts of Indian state of Manipur—Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Kakching—following the imposition of an indefinite curfew in Bishnupur and prohibitory orders under Section 144, restricting gatherings of four or more persons, in the other four valley districts. 

These measures were enacted late on Saturday, June 7, 2025, after the arrest of Kanan Meitei, a prominent member of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), by a joint team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Manipur Police in Imphal West, reports the Hindu.

According to a police official, Kanan Meitei, identified as the "army chief" of AT, was apprehended around 9:40pm on June 7, 2025. 

Following the arrest, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in an attempt to intercept the police convoy and free the accused near Kwakeithel in Imphal West. Police resorted to firing to disperse the mob.

Arambai Tenggol, an armed radical Meitei group, rose to prominence amid the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which has claimed approximately 250 lives to date.

A government order from the District Magistrate of Thoubal stated, “The Superintendent of Police has reported that protests and agitations have been organised within Thoubal District in response to the arrest of AT member(s) in Imphal West. 

These events are likely to disrupt the current law and order situation and pose a significant risk to peace and tranquility in the district.” 

The order further prohibited gatherings of four or more people and the carrying of firearms, swords, sticks, stones, or any objects that could be used as offensive weapons, effective from June 7, 2025. Similar directives were issued in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

The NIA has previously registered at least two cases to investigate the involvement of AT members in the Manipur violence and the looting of police armoires. 

President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, to address the ongoing unrest.