Brinda Apologize for Remarks Against Arambai Tenggol and Meetei Leepun

Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by SPN Editor

Imphal/ October 04, 2023 (SPN) | Ex-JDU Candidate from Yaiskul Assembly Constituency, Thounaojam Brinda apologize to the people of Manipur at her residence in Yaiskul Janmasthan today.

This apology was directed towards Arambai Tenggol and Meetei Leepun following controversial remarks she made about them in a viral audio clip that circulated on social media.

In the audio clip, Brinda was heard making allegations that members of Arambai Tenggol and Meetei Leepun were accused of being responsible for the burning of Meitei houses in the border villages of Churachandpur. The audio clip also mentioned the alleged participation of Arambai Tenggol in parading two Kuki women nude in the Valley. Notably, similar charges had been made by the Kukis.

In the audio clip, Brinda also alleged that Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun were established under the guidance of Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba.

Furthermore, she claimed that the Chief Minister had devised a strategy to retain power even if he were to separate from the BJP. This plan reportedly involved forming a regional party centered around Meitei fanaticism, with the assistance of Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun.

• Also Read: Widespread Condemnation in Manipur for Parading of Two Women Naked

The state of Manipur was gripped by conflict due to the burning and ethnic cleansing of Meitei people from Churachandpur, Moreh, and Ikou on May 3. Linking the incident of parading two nude Kuki women to Arambai Tenggol carried serious implications.

In response to the viral audio clips, a large number of Arambai Tenggol volunteers assembled at Brinda’s residence. Led by their leader, Korounganba, the Arambai Tenggol volunteers insisted that Brinda either produce evidence to support her allegations or publicly apologize for attempting to tarnish their reputation.

As Brinda could not provide evidence to support her claims, she subsequently issued a public apology in front of the media. Brinda apologize that Arambai Tenggol was not involved in burning Meitei houses and denied any connection between the group and the nude parading incident of two Kuki women in the valley.

However, following Brinda’s apology, women from the area visited her residence and expressed their anger. They stated that if a Kuki woman had made similar statements in Churachandpur as Brinda had in the Valley, it could have led to dangerous consequences. These women demanded that Brinda retract her statements and apologize to the people of Manipur.

In a subsequent clarification, Thounaojam Brinda stated that she had misquoted Arambai Tengol and Meitei Leepul in the viral audio clip regarding the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

Brinda’s apology was further shared and discussed on various Kuki and Mizo pages on Facebook, with some claiming that she was pressured into apologizing. There were also individuals who maintained that Brinda’s allegations were accurate.