Manipur teen assaulted, forced to eat pork by Meitei militants
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Manipur: In a shocking incident, an 18-year-old Muslim boy from Manipur, identified as Tampakmayum Akhtar, has alleged that members of the Meitei militant group Arambai Tenggol (AT) tortured him and forced him to consume pork, violating his Islamic religious beliefs. The incident reportedly took place on January 4 in Kwakta Ward No. 2, following allegations of misconduct with a Meitei girl named Jenita.
According to Akhtar, the ordeal began when the Arambai Tenggol Heingang Unit summoned him over claims that he had misbehaved with Jenita, who worked alongside him and another friend at Kafye Café in Keishampat, Imphal. Akhtar denied the allegations, explaining that he and Jenita often engaged in casual conversations as colleagues. He admitted to jokingly telling a friend that he loved Jenita, which he claimed was misinterpreted, and reported to Jenita’s brother and the AT group.
However, Jenita provided a different account of events. She stated that Akhtar had proposed to her and expressed his desire to marry her, but she refused. According to her, Akhtar misbehaved after facing rejection.
Akhtar recounted his harrowing experience to reporters, claiming that he was tied up, physically assaulted, and forced to eat pork. He also accused Korounganba Khuman, the leader of the militant group, of hammering nails into his hands and making inflammatory statements targeting the Muslim community. The alleged act of torture has sparked outrage, particularly within the Muslim community.
Various Muslim organizations have strongly condemned the incident, including Anjuman Isla E Musra and the All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation. They have demanded an explanation from the Arambai Tenggol group and warned of further action if their demands are not met.
This incident comes amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where militant groups like Arambai Tenggol have been accused of perpetuating violence with little accountability. Amnesty International has previously highlighted the group’s notoriety and criticized the lack of action by authorities to address their activities.