Protests Erupt in Manipur After Assam Rifles Detain 26 Village Volunteers
Mass protests erupted across multiple districts in Manipur on Friday, February 21, 2025, following the detention of 26 village volunteers by Assam Rifles. The arrests occurred during a series of joint operations conducted by security forces targeting members of Meitei radical groups in the region. The detained individuals were accused of being part of the Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical group, and were apprehended in Kakching district. However, local communities contend that those arrested are village volunteers responsible for safeguarding their communities against external threats.
In response to the detentions, demonstrators took to the streets, burning tires and blocking roads in several areas to express their outrage against the security forces’ actions. The protests were particularly intense in the valley districts, where the majority Meitei population resides. Protesters demanded the unconditional release of all 26 detainees and condemned the government’s actions against village volunteers.
Initially, 10 of the detained individuals, mostly students currently appearing for the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations, were handed over to the Kakching police station and later released. As the protests intensified, pressure mounted on the authorities for the release of the remaining 16 members. The protest was called off only after a police team informed the protesters that all the arrested village volunteers had been freed.
The unrest in Manipur has been ongoing since May 2023, marked by ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence has led to significant loss of life and displacement of populations, with both communities accusing each other of instigating attacks. In this context, village volunteers have emerged as local defense groups aiming to protect their respective communities.
The role of security forces, particularly Assam Rifles, has been a contentious issue in the region. While their mandate is to maintain law and order, sections of the local population allege that their actions have sometimes exacerbated tensions. The recent detentions and subsequent protests underscore the fragile security situation in Manipur and the challenges faced in restoring peace and normalcy.
