Imphal: The Lomlhang Som, a little known Kuki civil society organisation based in Churachandpur, has lodged a formal objection to the Registrar of Societies, Government of Manipur, regarding the registration of Arambai Tenggol Football Academy under Manipur Societies Registration Act, 1989.
In a letter submitted to the registered society, Chairman of Lomlhang Som, Mr. James Lun, urged to halt the registration process citing alleged links between the proposed academy and the controversial radical group Arambai Tenggol. A copy of the objection letter was also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Registrar of Societies, Churachandpur District.
In the letter, the Lomlhang Som claims that the name “Arambai” is closely associated with Arambai Tenggol, which the group describes as a “radical Meitei outfit” accused of committing widespread violence, particularly against the Kuki community. Citing reports from Amnesty International, Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), and Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), the objection alleges that Arambai Tenggol has been involved in arson, killings, sexual violence, forced displacement, and “ethnic cleansing” of the Kukis in Manipur.
It further refers to media reports alleging that members of Arambai Tenggol have unlawfully acquired arms, including weapons looted from police armouries, and used them in attacking the minority Kukis since the outbreak of the inter-community conflict in Manipur in May 2023. The group warns that the proposed football academy could be used as a “front for recruitment, indoctrination, or fundraising” for the radical outfit.
The objection also raises national security concerns, pointing to reports that Arambai Tenggol has been expanding its activities beyond Manipur to other cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Assam, and Chandigarh.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Registrar of Societies or the promoters of the proposed academy regarding the allegations.
Editorial Note: Except for the Title and some editing for clarity, this news story has been reproduced from a syndicate feed.
