Kanan Singh was apprehended on Sunday (June 9) for his alleged involvement in the 2023 ethnic violence in the state, as per the officials, reported PTI.
Manipur Police, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that Singh, 46, had been dismissed from service on March 3 2025 due to his involvement in criminal activities, including cross-border arms smuggling.
“He was arrested for his criminal activities which include several acts of grave nature and involvement in unlawful activities and criminal cases registered against him,” it said.
CBI and NIA have issued press releases regarding certain arrests made recently; details of which are given below:
Ashem Kanan Singh (46) was arrested by CBI in Imphal, Manipur. He was a Head Constable in Manipur Police till he was terminated from service on 3rd March 2025 for his…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) June 9, 2025
Unrest in several districtsÂ
Protests erupted across the valley areas on the evening of June 7, defying prohibitory orders in place across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.
Demonstrators staged torchlight marches, torched a government building, and clashed with police forces in areas such as Kwakeithel, Singjamei, and Wangkhei, as per PTI.
Read more: Manipur floods: 19,811 people affected, 3,365 houses damaged
In Imphal East, the sub-divisional collector’s office was set ablaze, partially damaging the structure and destroying official records. Protestors also blocked key roads with mounds of soil and burnt tyres, while women’s groups demanded the immediate formation of a state government. Manipur is currently under President’s Rule.
Appeal for calm by Biren SinghÂ
Amid growing unrest, former chief minister (CM) of Manipur, N Biren Singh, called for peace and unity before departing for Delhi with Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajoaba, as per PTI.
“I am leaving for Delhi with Sanajaoba to apprise the state’s situation to central leaders. I want to appeal to all, including mothers and brothers, that this is a crucial stage for the state, and everyone should be very careful in what they do and say,” he told reporters.
VIDEO | Imphal: Former CM N Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) speaks to media on the ongoing Manipur violence.
(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/AosxiXmCaJ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 9, 2025
Singh urged people to remain cautious and not act on emotions, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the indigenous interests. “We should work together and leave all violence behind. Whatever we can do, we must come together and tread cautiously. We should not act based on emotions,” he added.
The Manipur Governor held a security review on June 9 as violence continued in multiple locations. Over 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in ongoing ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.
