Complete Anarchy in Manipur: Unraveling the Nexus with Arambai Tenggol

For almost nine months, Manipur has witnessed a concerning trend where armed radical groups such as the Arambai Tenggol seized control of the law and order, posing a significant threat to the stability and peace. Motivated by a desire for power and the thrill to kill and unleash fear, these groups exploited the political instability to further their agenda of cleansing the ethnic Kuki minority. The use of force, armoury lootings, threats and intimidation became a means to an end, as they seek to impose their radical ideologies on the Kukis.

What is more interesting is the way these armed radicalised groups become key players in shaping the political landscape of the state. They have frequently even defied governmental authority, even creating their own parallel governing structures. The most recent development is the chief of the Arambai Tenggol Korounganba Khuman seeking a secret meeting at the Kangla Fort with MLAs and MPs of Manipur. An armed radical leader clandestinely convening with elected representatives has raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of democratic governance and the potential ramifications for society at large. Such secret meetings carry a host of ill effects that undermine the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The covert alliances between the government and the radical militia is breeding suspicion and undermining the whole law and order system in Manipur. The secrecy surrounding meetings with armed radical leaders is also a direct threat to national security.

The Chief Minister bears the primary responsibility for the non-sense law and order in the state. Biren is obviously unsuited for the position of chief minister if a militia group like the Arambai Tenggol is permitted to function unhindered and threaten the existence of ethnic Kukis. A Chief Minister who cannot rein in such a scenario risks contributing to a cycle of violence. Stepping down, in this context, is a responsible act which can prevent further deterioration of the state’s governance structures. At least, stepping down will provide an opportunity and open the door for a new leader to address the root causes of the militia group’s activities and implement practical solutions. This is a sincere advice to Biren if he want to avoid witnessing the Imphal Valley bleeding and being devastated by the Arambai Tenggol militia in the name of pseudo Meitei nationalism.

Not only has this extremist militia acquired power, but it has also stifled economic activity and businesses. Criminal activity and illicit extortion by Arambai Tenggol members have been rampant in the Imphal valley. Rational members of the Meitei community have little choice but to keep quiet or perhaps flee the valley for good. The Kuki areas, very interestingly, have successfully navigated the few economic opportunities they have been offered, with the backing of public and civil society organizations. They have been deprived of their basic needs for seven months straight, but they are showing no signs of weakness and the resilience is getter stronger. The backing of their leaders from the public is the sole factor that can make this happen. In contrast, Imphal valley appears to be bereft of any public backing and consultation with its leaders. On the verge of collapse, the Imphal valley is a scene of complete anarchy.

Biren should know that bringing Arambai Tenggol and its cohorts militias to ground is necessary for peace if he is seeking it. No amount of connections you have with this fatso self-proclaimed savior of the Meiteis can ever lead to peace. Seek guidance and assistance from the Kuki leaders if you find yourself unable to manage him. The Kukis are experts at bringing harmony to Manipur.