Imphal: A Meira Paibi group has sought the unconditional release of Meitei youths recently arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), despite surrendering illegally held weapons following Manipur governor’s appeal last year.The ‘Apunba Meira Paibi Lup’ of Ward No. 9, Keishamthong constituency, on Monday submitted a memorandum to Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, seeking the unconditional release of the youths. The group reminded the governor of his assurance that no punitive action would be taken if illegally held weapons were surrendered within the stipulated time.The NIA, in a series of operations along with Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), had arrested 10 accused linked to multiple cases of violence, murder, arms looting, bank robbery, and attacks on security forces. Among those arrested were four members of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei socio-cultural group accused of involvement in the violence.The four Arambai Tenggol members were allegedly involved in the looting of firearms from the 5th IRB complex at Chingarel Tejpur in Imphal East in 2024.The Meira Paibi group, in its representation to the governor, expressed concern over the recent arrests. The organisation alleged that several youths were taken into custody by the NIA from their residences on June 18 night. The group claimed the arrests were carried out forcibly and without arrest memos. It appealed for their immediate and unconditional release.The group said many youths were compelled to take up arms during the ethnic conflict due to the failure of forces to protect communities from militant attacks, and argued that no punitive action should be taken against those who voluntarily surrendered the illegally held weapons.It also said that any action perceived as excessive against youths who participated in the arms surrender process could lead to renewed public unrest and undermine efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
