This violent incident is the latest flashpoint in Manipur’s spiraling unrest, which has seen renewed waves of tension and protest across the valley districts.
TFM Report
The fragile peace in Manipur suffered another major blow on Monday (June 9) when an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) and a member of his escort team were injured in an attack by protestors in the Nambol Thongkha area of Bishnupur district. The incident occurred around 11:20 AM amid a state-wide bandh called by the valley-based group Arambai Tenggol, following the recent arrest of its leader, Asem Kanan, by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Violent Turn of Protest
According to the official police press release, a large mob of people and bandh enforcers had gathered in violation of the total curfew imposed by the District Magistrate of Bishnupur. The protestors had barricaded the Tiddim Road at Nambol Thongkha using burning tyres and logs, demanding the immediate release of Kanan.
On receiving the information at 11:25 AM, a high-ranking team of district police officials—including SP Bishnupur, Additional SP (Law and Order), Additional SP (Operations), and Additional SP Wangkhomba Okramcha, MPS—along with commandos and other officers, rushed to the location in an attempt to peacefully disperse the protestors.
As per the press note, the protestors, numbering around 100, quickly turned into an unruly mob. Despite repeated warnings from the police, they began pelting stones at the security personnel. In the ensuing chaos, Additional SP Wangkhomba Okramcha and one of his escorts were gheraoed and brutally assaulted with sharp stones and other crude weapons, resulting in head injuries. Both injured personnel were immediately evacuated to the nearby District Hospital for medical attention.
Police Response and FIR
In response to the violent attack, and after obtaining permission from the Executive Magistrate present on site, the police resorted to firing a large number of mock shells and several blank rounds into the air as a last resort to control the situation. The mob eventually scattered into nearby inter-village roads (IVRs), and the area was brought under control.
The Bishnupur police have registered a suo moto case under FIR No. 39(6)2025 NBL-PS, invoking multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—including sections 189(5), 191(1), 190, 195(1), 223(a), 109(1), 118(1), and 351(2)—relating to obstruction of duty, assault on public servants, unlawful assembly, and attempt to cause grievous hurt.
Growing Unrest in the Valley
This violent incident is the latest flashpoint in Manipur’s spiralling unrest, which has seen renewed waves of tension and protest across the valley districts. The state government has already suspended mobile and internet services in five valley districts and enforced a strict curfew to prevent the situation from escalating.
The arrest of Asem Kanan, reportedly the commander of the Arambai Tenggol’s armed wing, appears to have ignited deep-rooted frustrations among supporters of the group. The bandh called in protest of his arrest has virtually paralysed normal life in large parts of the state.
Official Condemnation and Reassurance
Authorities have strongly condemned the attack on police officers, calling it a “deliberate and violent attempt to undermine public order.” The police have assured that all those responsible for the assault will be identified and prosecuted under the full extent of the law.
“This attack on uniformed officers performing their duty is unacceptable and will not go unpunished. We urge all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities,” a senior police official stated.
As investigations continue, Monday’s incident serves as a grim reminder of the tense and unpredictable atmosphere prevailing in Manipur, raising urgent concerns about the state’s security and the growing volatility.