Members of the Arambai Tenggol clashed with security forces personnel when they went to pick up A. Kanan Singh, a former Manipur Police head constable. A volley of gunshots was heard and supporters of the group burnt tyres and old furniture on the road.

Vehicles of the security forces were torched on the Airport Road, and scores of people, including security personnel, were injured.

As the violence spread, the government clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and suspended Internet and mobile data services in the five Imphal Valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal for five days.

The Arambai Tenggol, which came into prominence after the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities broke out in May 2023, countered by “imposing” a 10-day shutdown across these five districts. Some youth, believed to be members of the group, threatened self-immolation by pouring inflammable fluids on themselves.