Manipur CRPF firing case has led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man accused of opening fire at security personnel during protests in Imphal West. The incident took place on June 9, 2025, at Tera Sapam Leirak, where security forces were attempting to clear a roadblock amid demonstrations linked to the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol leader and four others. Police later arrested the accused along with the pistol allegedly used in the incident.
Manipur CRPF firing incident in Imphal West
According to police, the incident occurred when protesters had blocked a road at Tera Sapam in Imphal West district. Security personnel were reportedly trying to remove the blockade when one of the protesters allegedly opened fire at the troops.
The accused was identified by police as Raj alias Boinao Pangeijam, 39, a member of the Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol. Police said he allegedly fired at the security personnel before fleeing the area. He was subsequently apprehended and handed over to the Lamphel police station for further legal action.
Police also recovered the alleged weapon of offence, a pistol, from the accused. He was produced before a magistrate in Imphal West, who remanded him to police custody for eight days.
Arrest follows roadblock violence
The arrest came amid heightened tensions across parts of the Imphal Valley. Protests had intensified following the arrest of Arambai Tenggol leader Asem Kanan Singh and four others.
Demonstrators were demanding their unconditional release, and several protests reportedly involved road blockades and clashes with security forces. Authorities had imposed prohibitory restrictions in parts of the state as tensions continued.
Police said the protesters at Tera Sapam attacked security forces while personnel were attempting to restore movement on the road. The alleged firing was treated as a serious escalation because firearms were used against security personnel during an already tense public demonstration.
Police detain others over protest violence
The firing case was part of a broader police crackdown following violence during the protests. A senior police officer said 19 other people were detained for their alleged involvement in street violence in Imphal East.
According to the police account, some of those detained had allegedly blocked roads, harassed commuters and caused public disturbances. Authorities also alleged that many were under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The police appealed to young people in particular to avoid unlawful activities, warning that participation in violence could result in legal action and affect their future and career prospects.
The arrests reflected the administration’s attempt to prevent protests from turning into wider confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Maintaining road connectivity has also remained a key concern in the state, where disruptions can affect the movement of people and essential supplies.
Security concerns remain in Manipur
The incident came against the backdrop of continuing security challenges in Manipur. The state has experienced prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023, with large numbers of people killed or displaced and communities remaining deeply divided.
Security forces have continued to conduct operations against armed groups, while police have also faced pressure to respond to protests, road blockades and incidents involving firearms.
The use of a pistol during the Tera Sapam protest raised additional concerns about the presence and use of firearms in populated areas. Local voices also criticised the firing and called for an end to gun violence in residential neighbourhoods.
A local protest organised after the shooting reportedly carried messages opposing gun culture in crowded areas and stressing that violence cannot bring peace. Such reactions highlighted concerns among residents about the risks posed by armed confrontations near homes and public spaces.
Investigation and legal process
The accused’s arrest allowed police to proceed with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. His remand in police custody was intended to assist investigators in examining the alleged firing, the weapon recovered and his role in the protest.
By June 17, the accused had been produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Imphal West after the completion of the police custody period. The prosecution sought judicial custody, and the court remanded him accordingly.
The case underscores the legal consequences of using firearms during public unrest. Authorities are expected to continue investigating the incident while determining the specific charges and evidence against the accused.
The arrest also comes as Manipur authorities seek to balance public order with the management of politically sensitive protests. For residents, the immediate concern remains preventing further violence and ensuring that disputes are addressed through lawful channels.
As the legal process continues, the Manipur CRPF firing case remains a significant example of how protests can quickly escalate when firearms are introduced. The investigation and subsequent court proceedings will determine the accused’s legal responsibility, while authorities face the larger challenge of preventing similar incidents and maintaining peace in the state.
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