Amid renewed unrest in Manipur over the reported arrest of leaders from the Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol, the state government has suspended internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, in five districts for five days starting today. The affected districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.
Tensions escalated late Saturday as protesters took to the streets in areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok in Imphal, demanding the release of the detained individuals. Demonstrators set fire to tyres and discarded furniture, leading to clashes with security forces. Security personnel were deployed in large numbers, and several rounds of warning gunfire were reportedly fired to disperse the crowds. The violence resulted in injuries to at least two journalists and one civilian during an attack on the Kwakeithel police outpost.
In an official order, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar stated that the suspension of internet services was necessary in light of the prevailing law and order situation. He expressed concern that anti-social elements might exploit social media platforms to spread inflammatory content, including hate speech and disturbing videos, which could incite public unrest.
“There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public and private property, along with widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of false rumours and provocative content circulated via social media, SMS, and other digital platforms,” the order further stated.
The government’s decision aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain peace in the region as tensions continue to simmer.
