Imphal, Manipur, February 21 (HBTV): Demonstrators in various parts of Imphal valley districts erupted on Friday. They burned tyres in the middle of roads to protest the arrest of several ‘village volunteers’ in Kakching district, officials said.

Security forces had arrested more than 10 individuals who the protestors claim to be ‘village volunteers,’ in an early morning operation at Panjao Pallumda in Kakching district. They were later taken to a security force camp at Phundrei in Thoubal district, officials said.

The arrested individuals are said to be members of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol but this information is yet to be officially confirmed.

The arrest came a day after the governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla appealed to the people of the state to surrender all looted and illegal weapons within seven days’ time or face prosecution. 

Demonstrations broke out in several parts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching district following the arrest of the individuals.

Locals at Wangkhei and Kongba in Imphal East district and Naoremthong in Imphal West district piled used tyres and wooden materials in the middle of roads and burned  them.

Protesters also forced the closure of roadside vendors, shops, and markets at Wangkhei, Uripok, Thangmeiband and Khurai areas in capital Imphal.