Authorities have imposed a curfew and suspended internet services in parts of the northeastern Indian state of Manipur following fresh unrest triggered by the arrest of five leaders from the radical Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol.

Among those arrested on Sunday was Asem Kanan Singh, the group's chief, taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Imphal airport. The CBI stated that Singh and others were involved in “various criminal activities” linked to the ethnic violence that began in 2023.

Protests erupted in the state capital, Imphal, after the arrests. Demonstrators torched a bus, stormed a police post, and clashed with security forces. Tear gas and live rounds were reportedly used to disperse crowds, injuring at least one 13-year-old boy, according to local media.

Manipur has been gripped by intermittent violence since 2023, rooted in long-standing tensions between the Meitei majority and Kuki minority communities. Over 250 people have been killed, and tens of thousands displaced in the ongoing conflict.

Following Sunday’s violence, the Manipur government suspended mobile internet and data services in five districts for five days and imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal. Public gatherings have been restricted.

Arambai Tenggol, which claims to be a social group, has significant support among the Meitei community and announced a 10-day state-wide shutdown starting Saturday night.

Opposition leader Priyanka Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue, calling for urgent action and peace efforts. “It is the prime minister’s responsibility to ensure peace and security for the citizens,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The state has been under direct federal rule since earlier this year after the resignation of the chief minister amid mounting pressure.

A multi-party delegation met with the state governor on Sunday, urging the release of the arrested leaders. The situation remains tense.

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