Arambai Tenggol, a vigilante organization in Manipur, has been accused of torturing and forcing a Muslim child to consume pork against his religious beliefs, causing significant anger.
A frightening video circulating on social media seems to show members of the organization exposing the young man to horrific physical and emotional torture.
Several organizations, including Anjuman Isla E Musra, Kwakta Jamiat Ulma, All Kwakta Coordinating Committee, All Meitei Pangal Youth Association, and All Kwakta Youth Voluntary Organization, have requested an answer from Arambai Tenggol by January 7.
The All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation (AMSO) condemned the event as a deliberate attempt to destroy communal harmony.
“Is Arambai Tengol authorized to operate as a law enforcement agency? Why did this group take matters into their own hands by apprehending and beating the youngster before turning him over to the police?” AMSO inquired.
The organization asked the Manipur government to prohibit such vigilantism and maintain the rule of law.
The incident apparently took place on January 4, when 18-year-old Tampakmayum Aktar was called by the Arambai Tenggol Heingang Unit in Imphal on charges of abusing a colleague.
Aktar described his incident, alleging that the group tied him up, attacked him, and forced him to eat pig. He alleged that the AT group accused the Muslim community of attempting to “erase” the Meitei community through drug trafficking. He also accused an AT leader of piercing his hands with nails.
Aktar explained that he was summoned due to a misunderstanding with a female Meitei colleague at work. He said that a casual communication with a friend was misread by the coworker, prompting her to alert her brothers and the AT group.
When questioned by the group at their Heingang unit, Aktar was subjected to a thorough interrogation about the “prohibition of relationships” between Meiteis and Muslims.
Despite denying any romantic contact with the girl, he allegedly suffered a horrific bodily assault.
However, the woman stated that Aktar had made a proposal to her, which she flatly refused. According to her story, Aktar reacted inappropriately to her refusal. She also added that she filed a FIR at the Lamphel police station reporting the incident.
However, the Arambai Tenggol has categorically denied any charges of torture or forced pork consumption. A leader of the organization insisted that the guy in question was turned over to the police for his own protection.
