Imphal: In a dramatic turn of events that has ignited tensions in Manipur’s valley regions, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Ashem Kanan Singh (46), a former Head Constable of the Manipur Police, for his alleged involvement in a range of serious criminal offences, including cross-border arms smuggling.
Singh was apprehended in Imphal on June 7, following months of surveillance and investigation. Once a trusted officer, Singh allegedly exploited his position in the police force to run a clandestine arms network and engage in unlawful activities that posed a direct threat to national security. His fall from grace began in 2020, when he was suspended for gun smuggling, and culminated in his dismissal from service on March 3, 2025, after damning internal findings.
Adding to the severity of the charges, Singh is also believed to be the key conspirator behind an attack on the residence of Additional SP Amit, during which the officer was reportedly kidnapped and assaulted. The CBI termed Singh’s arrest as part of a wider operation to dismantle criminal collusion within security forces.
News of Singh’s arrest quickly spread, sparking protests in the valley areas of Manipur from the evening of June 7. Protestors blocked roads and raised slogans in what appeared to be an emotional response from sections of the local population. However, swift intervention by the police and paramilitary forces helped prevent escalation into widespread violence.
Authorities noted that the backlash reflected deep-rooted frustrations in the region, particularly when individuals with local ties face prosecution.
In response to the unrest, Manipur Police issued a strong public appeal, urging citizens to remain calm and not defend individuals facing serious charges. A police spokesperson emphasized, “We urge all peace-loving citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and not support agitation in defence of those involved in unlawful activities.” The statement reiterated the state’s commitment to justice and accountability, regardless of the accused’s background.
While Singh’s arrest dominated headlines, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) simultaneously made significant breakthroughs in its probe into the Moreh ambush of January 17, 2024, which claimed the lives of two police commandos. Three individuals were arrested for their roles in the attack: Thangminlen Mate of Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal was arrested from Silchar on May 19, while Kamginthang Gangte of the Kuki National Army and Hentinthang Kipgen alias Thangneo Kipgen, associated with the Village Volunteers group, were arrested from Manipur on June 6.
Though unrelated to Singh’s case, the coordinated arrests signal a broadening crackdown on insurgents and criminal syndicates operating in and around Manipur. As both the CBI and NIA intensify efforts to purge internal threats, the Manipur government faces the dual challenge of maintaining public trust while ensuring law enforcement agencies remain uncompromised.
Read More: Manipur Tense After High-Profile Arrests Spark Protests Across Valley and Hills