Manipur CM says volunteer groups not banned, cases target individuals

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Singh addressed concerns about the status of local volunteer organisations during proceedings in the state assembly on Tuesday. Singh emphasised that groups such as Arambai Tenggol and village-level volunteer associations remain operational and have not been placed under any formal ban.

The Chief Minister explained that the government's enforcement action has focused on individuals who may have violated laws, rather than targeting the organisations themselves. This distinction is significant given the role these volunteer groups have played in community mobilisation and law enforcement activities across Manipur.

Arambai Tenggol and similar village volunteer groups have been active in various capacities during Manipur's recent period of civil unrest. The clarification from the Chief Minister's office comes amid ongoing concerns about the legal status and operational freedom of such community organisations.

Singh's statement is intended to reassure residents and civil society that the government maintains a distinction between institutional organisations and the actions of individual members. The government's approach is to pursue legal remedies against specific individuals through the criminal justice system rather than impose blanket restrictions on community groups.