Imphal, June 18
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves across Manipur, six individuals, including three members of the radical vigilante group Arambai Tenggol, have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and brutal killing of 23-year-old Chesam Abdul Kadir, a mentally challenged youth from Paobitek Mayai Leikai, Imphal West.
According to police sources, Kadir went missing on the night of June 10. His family launched a frantic search, but it was not until several days later that his body was found buried in the residence of one of the accused at Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai. The discovery sparked outrage among the Meitei-Pangal (Muslim) community and drew strong condemnation from civil society groups.
Among those arrested are Longjam Henson alias Naocha Meitei, Thounaojam Ashok Singh, and Huidrom Shyamsunder Singh, all reportedly active members of the Arambai Tenggol group, a Meitei vigilante outfit that has faced repeated allegations of involvement in ethnic violence and extrajudicial activities since the Manipur conflict escalated in 2023. Three other accomplices, including the homeowner Heikrujam Prafulo Singh, have also been taken into custody. A total of nine suspects have been arrested so far, and five vehicles allegedly used in the crime have been seized.
The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC) has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “an inexcusable violation of the right to life,” and has demanded capital punishment for all perpetrators. The committee has also urged the government to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), citing the seriousness of the crime and its communal implications.
They further demanded a speedy trial under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) and an immediate ban on groups like Arambai Tenggol, which are accused of terrorizing minority communities. Political leaders, including MLA Kh. Loken, have appealed for calm and assured the public that justice will be served.
Meanwhile, community leaders and human rights groups have urged the state government to take firm action against vigilante groups and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities, particularly the Meitei-Pangal minority. As investigations continue, the murder of Chesam Abdul Kadir is being seen not just as a criminal act, but a grim reflection of the growing climate of impunity and communal tension in Manipur. The incident has reignited calls for accountability and a crackdown on extremist groups operating under the guise of ethnic protectionism.
