The decision to disarm the Manipuri population was fueled by:

The correct answer is: a) British mistrust after 1857.

The British East India Company had been trading with Manipur since the 17th century, and the two countries had a generally friendly relationship. However, this relationship soured after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny. The British were suspicious of the Manipuri people, who they feared might also rebel against British rule. In 1862, the British invaded Manipur and annexed the kingdom. As part of the annexation, the British disarmed the Manipuri population, fearing that they might use their weapons to rebel against British rule.

The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:

• Option b) is incorrect because the British were not afraid of a Burmese invasion of Manipur. In fact, the British were allied with Burma at the time.
• Option c) is incorrect because the British did not want to maintain peace within Manipur. They were more concerned with maintaining their own power and control over the region.
• Option d) is incorrect because the Manipuri King did not request that the British disarm his people. In fact, the Manipuri King was opposed to the British annexation of his kingdom and the disarmament of his people.