The Manipur government on Tuesday suspended internet services in the state for five days after violence escalated in the northeastern state.
In an order, the government of Manipur has curbed internet and mobile data services in the state from September 10 to September 15.
“In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur,” the order read.
The development comes nearly a year after internet curbs were lifted from the state in September 2023.
The situation in Manipur is on a slump once again after the state witnessed one of its most widespread violence between the two ethnic groups, Meitei and Kuki tribes.
Earlier today, the government imposed an indefinite curfew in the districts of Imphal East and Imphal West.
Meanwhile, on Monday (September 9), two people, including a woman and an ex-serviceman belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, were killed in separate incidents. The deaths triggered massive protests by students in Manipur who clashed with police personnel in Imphal leading to unrest in the state.
Student-led protest rallies were held in various locations, including Thoubal and Imphal, calling for the withdrawal of central forces from Manipur and the safeguarding of indigenous communities.
The protestors also demanded action against recent drone and missile attacks as they gathered in the Manipur secretariat and Raj Bhawan.
Tear gas shells were fired as student and women demonstrators on Tuesday clashed with security forces during the agitators’ attempt to march towards the Raj Bhavan to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the Manipur government, officials said.
With inputs from agencies
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Internet suspended in Manipur after violence rocks state again
