Protest Erupts Over Killing of Chesam Abdul Kadir; Body Exhumed, Nine Arrested, Arambai Tenggol Members Implicated
Imphal, June 17, 2025 – Intense public outrage has erupted across Imphal West after the body of Chesam Abdul Kadir, a 29-year-old differently-abled man from Paobitek Mayai Leikai who went missing on June 10, was recovered in a shallow grave near Samurou Naorem. The discovery has sparked massive protests and renewed scrutiny over the state’s handling of law and order amid ongoing ethnic unrest.
Kadir’s body was exhumed on June 17 in the presence of an executive magistrate, forensic team, and family members. According to police sources, initial investigations suggest that Kadir was abducted, murdered, and secretly buried the same night he went missing. He was physically challenged and held a disability certificate issued by the state government.
Eyewitnesses from the locality report that Kadir was last seen being taken away by unknown persons riding motorcycles. Following his disappearance, residents launched a community-wide search before police were informed. Upon the recovery of his body, the atmosphere in Paobitek and surrounding areas turned volatile.
Police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the case, including six individuals identified as members of the Arambai Tenggol, and three civilians. Their alleged involvement has intensified community tensions, especially among minority groups who have long raised concerns about such incidents .
In the wake of the incident, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was promptly formed by local residents, civil society representatives, and community elders. The JAC has led the protest movement, demanding justice and accountability.
The protests led by the JAC have included road blockades, rallies, and community strikes. In some areas, demonstrators clashed with police, who deployed tear gas to disperse crowds and prevent escalation. Despite the unrest, JAC leaders have emphasized that their movement will remain peaceful but persistent until their demands are fulfilled.
Various organizations, including the Disabled Development Association of Manipur and the Manipur Meitei Pangal Welfare Organisation, have extended support to the JAC, calling Kadir’s murder a symptom of deteriorating law and order. They have demanded immediate state intervention to restore public trust.
Adding to , the All Manipur Muslim Organisations' Co-ordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) issued a strong condemnation, referring to the murder as "an act of cowardice and inhumanity." The committee demanded a fast-track trial, protection for witnesses, and strict legal action against vigilante groups operating under political or social cover.
“The state must not allow such groups to operate with impunity. If this issue is not addressed decisively, it will only deepen communal divisions,” AMMOCOC stated.
In response, the Manipur Police have registered a murder case and stated that forensic reports and digital evidence are being gathered to strengthen the investigation. Authorities have also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid circulating rumors that could inflame communal tensions.
To contain the situation, the state government has suspended mobile internet and broadband services in Imphal West and other sensitive districts. Curfews remain in place in certain areas as a preventive measure.
The tragic killing of Chesam Abdul Kadir has struck a deep chord across Manipur. It has highlighted growing concerns over the unchecked rise of private armed groups, the vulnerability of minority communities, and the challenges of law enforcement in a conflict-affected region.
The JAC has vowed to continue its movement until justice is served and systemic change is initiated. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the state government and police to see whether justice for Abdul Kadir will be swift, fair, and uncompromised.
Kadir’s body was exhumed on June 17 in the presence of an executive magistrate, forensic team, and family members. According to police sources, initial investigations suggest that Kadir was abducted, murdered, and secretly buried the same night he went missing. He was physically challenged and held a disability certificate issued by the state government.
Eyewitnesses from the locality report that Kadir was last seen being taken away by unknown persons riding motorcycles. Following his disappearance, residents launched a community-wide search before police were informed. Upon the recovery of his body, the atmosphere in Paobitek and surrounding areas turned volatile.
Police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the case, including six individuals identified as members of the Arambai Tenggol, and three civilians. Their alleged involvement has intensified community tensions, especially among minority groups who have long raised concerns about such incidents .
In the wake of the incident, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was promptly formed by local residents, civil society representatives, and community elders. The JAC has led the protest movement, demanding justice and accountability.
The protests led by the JAC have included road blockades, rallies, and community strikes. In some areas, demonstrators clashed with police, who deployed tear gas to disperse crowds and prevent escalation. Despite the unrest, JAC leaders have emphasized that their movement will remain peaceful but persistent until their demands are fulfilled.
Various organizations, including the Disabled Development Association of Manipur and the Manipur Meitei Pangal Welfare Organisation, have extended support to the JAC, calling Kadir’s murder a symptom of deteriorating law and order. They have demanded immediate state intervention to restore public trust.
Adding to , the All Manipur Muslim Organisations' Co-ordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) issued a strong condemnation, referring to the murder as "an act of cowardice and inhumanity." The committee demanded a fast-track trial, protection for witnesses, and strict legal action against vigilante groups operating under political or social cover.
“The state must not allow such groups to operate with impunity. If this issue is not addressed decisively, it will only deepen communal divisions,” AMMOCOC stated.
In response, the Manipur Police have registered a murder case and stated that forensic reports and digital evidence are being gathered to strengthen the investigation. Authorities have also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid circulating rumors that could inflame communal tensions.
To contain the situation, the state government has suspended mobile internet and broadband services in Imphal West and other sensitive districts. Curfews remain in place in certain areas as a preventive measure.
The tragic killing of Chesam Abdul Kadir has struck a deep chord across Manipur. It has highlighted growing concerns over the unchecked rise of private armed groups, the vulnerability of minority communities, and the challenges of law enforcement in a conflict-affected region.
The JAC has vowed to continue its movement until justice is served and systemic change is initiated. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the state government and police to see whether justice for Abdul Kadir will be swift, fair, and uncompromised.
