Sun Jan 19 12:01:01 UTC 2025: ## Meitei Group Condemns Murder of Muslim Man in Manipur, Praises Police Action
**Imphal, Manipur –** A prominent Meitei civil society organization, the Meitei Alliance, has strongly condemned the kidnapping and murder of 33-year-old Md Nawash in Manipur. Nawash, a member of the Meitei Pangal (Muslim) community, was abducted from his home on January 14th and his body was discovered two days later at Thoubal District Hospital.
Manipur Police have swiftly arrested six suspected members of the Arambai Tenggol (AT) group in connection with the crime. The arrested individuals are Sagolsem Chingkheinganba Singh (25), Chingakham Sanatomba Singh (19), Sapam Somorjit Singh (32), Maibam Bokenjit Singh (24), Athokpam Jiban Singh (30), and Chingakham Mani Singh (41).
The Meitei Alliance, in a statement released today, lauded the police for their rapid response and urged a thorough investigation leading to prompt prosecution. The group emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining unity amidst the ongoing violence, explicitly acknowledging the historical contributions of the Meitei Pangal community to Manipur. They called for an end to communal divisions and urged all parties to refrain from violence and inflammatory social media posts.
The AT group, initially a youth organization, reportedly took up arms following the outbreak of ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023. They are accused of various crimes, including looting weapons from police armouries, actions they claim were necessary to protect the Meitei community. This incident highlights the ongoing complex security situation in Manipur, with numerous armed groups from both sides actively involved in the conflict, as confirmed by military and paramilitary officials. Numerous videos circulating online depict both Kuki and Meitei “volunteers” wielding a wide array of sophisticated weaponry. This latest arrest follows several others involving AT members in recent months.
First Piper 