Imphal
March 10, 2025
In an unusual turn of events, the radical Meitei organization Arambai Tenggol has appealed to every citizen of India to respect and uphold the Indian Constitution, and asked all to come together and support the Central Government’s efforts to bring normalcy and development in Manipur.
The statement of the Arambai Tenggol comes after 22 months of leading one of the most brutal assault against Kuki community in the state of Manipur beginning from May 2023.
In a statement signed by its Public Relation Officer, Robin Mangang Khawairakpam, the organization stated that the Central Government has taken “steps towards finding an amicable solution to this crisis” and reminds “every group to adhere to the central government directives”. 
Arambai Tenggol leaders with former Chief Minister N Biren Singh
While acknowledging the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s effort to restore temples which were damaged during the conflict, Arambai Tenggol appealed to the state administration to take immediate measures to reconstruct the damaged and vandalized Hindu Temples and Meitei religious places at the earliest.
Stating that sacred places hold great value to the community and one’s faith, it further stated that “reconstruction will not only bring a sense of peace but also a sense of unity among all the communities”, added the statement without referring to any particular communities.
However, the statement by Arambai Tenggol to embrace the constitution, uphold rule of law and follow the directives of the central leadership draws flak in the light of the party’s involvement in the Manipur crisis.
It may be noted that Aramabi Tenggol is the organization behind the looting of over 6000 arms from police stations across Imphal at the height of the violence. The organization openly boasts the killing of over 200 Kukis and displaced thousands of Kukis from their homes.
According to Thingkho le Malcha which maintain directory of events, about 360 churches belonging to Kuki group were torched or desecrated since May 2023. The press statement however does not mention the restoration or reconstruction of these churches, nor the reconciliation process. Instead, the statement intends to portray Kukis in a negative light by terming them as “terrorists” and “immigrants”. 
Arambai Tenggol summons MLAs for an Oath taking at Kangla
The statement of the Arambai Tenggol appears more of a “concession and an appeasement policy” towards the central leadership after it failed to submit looted arms at the expiry of multiple deadlines.
“The invocation of the ‘religious card’ as exemplified in the demand for its restoration of temples might not get the attention of the RSS either. In fact, Arambai Tenggol believes in ancient Meitei religion ‘Sanamahism’, and the Hindu card is to get some leverage from the central leadership”, a leader on condition of anonymity told Northeast Diary when contacted on the details of Church desecration by Arambai Tenggol.
