The Rise of AT Chief - Korounganba Khuman, a De-Facto Ruler of Meiteis

One of the first names (organizations) that comes up when violence-related Manipur is searched in a Google search engine is the Meitei radical group ‘Arambai Tenggol.’ Though the organisational existence is relatively short, dating back to only 2020, the group has gained prominence and influence during this conflict for their role in successfully enacting as guardians of the Meiteis.

Arambai Tenggol (Meitei dialect for “dart wielding cavalry”) is a Meitei radical organisation, often described as a radical organisation, or as a radicalised armed militia. It is also a revivalist organisation that aims to reestablish the pre-Hindu, native Sanamahi religion among the Meiteis. It enjoys the patronage of Manipur’s titular king and parliamentarian Leishemba Sanajaoba as well as the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

However, for the rise of this radical organization as an influential body, one man has all the credits to him who is the Chief of Arambai Tenggol – Mr Korounganba Khuman. His leadership quality is unmatched and none amongst the Meitei people has the ability to command more than 60,000 armed radicals without proper training, who are deeply involved in various atrocities against the Kukis. The ascent of Arambai Tenggol in Manipur, headed by its Chief Korounganba marks a significant chapter in the state’s political landscape, reflecting the emergence of new power dynamics. For his assertive stance and purported influence in shaping local affairs, he has been often hailed by his sub-ordinates as ‘Pathou’ meaning ‘revered leader.’

His style of operation is unique and influential in a way that only one social media post can harbor many reactions and the sub-ordinates immediately obey his instructions.

At present, his influence is unmatched by none within the Meitei community. He effectively managed to blend all the elected representatives’ dance to his tune under the watchful gaze of his illegal organisation- the Arambai Tenggol.

He mostly relied on the Social Media platform for conveying ideas, providing direction, and fostering collaboration among his team members. One good aspect of his leadership quality is the ‘integrity’ he possesses; he has never compromised when it comes to his organization, thereby earning the trust of his team members. When Federation of Civil Society Organizations (FOCS) summoned them to tender an apology, he nonchalantly replied to them on his Social Media account without tendering any apology. For this, he becomes more of an astute leader to his followers who cannot be reprimanded and threatened.

On January 24, Arambai Tenggol summoned 39 Meitei lawmakers in Imphal and administered an “oath”, among others, to protect “Manipur’s territorial integrity”. They were made to sign a six-point charter of demands, which was then sent to the Union government with an implementation deadline of 15 days. This incident depicts the influence of the Arambai Tenggol’s command over to state machineries, elected representatives, law and enforcement agencies. The rapturous cheering he receives after the Oath ceremony was a testament to his caliber in convincing the people that he was the only guardian the Meitei community has at the moment. How he skillfully managed to utilize the Kangla Meeting despite the deployment of heavy security forces before them also proves that he was the only capable leader among the Meiteis to defy various governmental notices to carry out his irrational ideology purportedly for the interest of his community.

His presence on Social media in full combat gear at Frontline areas has served as an inspiration for many gullible young minds of the Meiteis to get involved in the violence. He artistically uses social media to convince

many young minds to follow his path. Many have fallen to his deceptive tactics, thereby many Meitei youths have chosen to get themselves enrolled in the Arambai Tenggol. Korounganba’s ascent has been facilitated to the vacuum created by the perceived inadequacies of the Meiteis’ CSOs leaders in addressing the aspirations and grievances of their community. The group’s appeal lies in its ability to mobilize support from within the Meitei community, capitalizing on vexed propaganda shared to them by their leaders. His militant tactics and uncompromising stance have emboldened his team members in polarizing his own community, exacerbating existing fault lines and undermining efforts towards peace and reconciliation.

In conclusion, the rise of Korounganba as Arambai Tenggol’s Chief in Manipur reflects the incompetent leadership of the present dispensation in ruling the State. He now becomes a de-facto ruler among the Meitei populace, notwithstanding the negative impact for the future. His stubborn leadership qualities on ideological integrity, uncompromised principles and assertiveness will someday give way to disunity amongst the Meitei populace.