Manipur cuts internet in 5 districts: Mobile services shut; crackdown follows protest flare-up
NEW DELHI: The Manipur government has suspended internet and mobile data services in five key districts for five days, citing a serious law and order situation and the risk of social media being misused to spread inflammatory content.
The order, issued late on 7 June by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, affects Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts.
The official directive stated, 'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts… 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.
'
The government cited an 'imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property' and the risk of 'wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony' due to the circulation of false rumours and inflammatory material on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The suspension, according to the order, covers internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, and took effect from 11:45 pm on 7 June.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
'The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,' it noted.
The action followed protests on Saturday night in Imphal East and Imphal West, where demonstrators took to the streets after the arrest of a leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol. Protesters reportedly blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture in areas like Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the leader's release. In a video widely circulated online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba appeared to confront security personnel, urging them to arrest him alongside another MLA if such arrests continued.
The unrest coincided with an intensified security crackdown. Police confirmed the arrest of three militants from banned groups including the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK). Weapons, IEDs and mortars were also recovered during search operations in multiple districts.
The state remains tense amid ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. President's rule was imposed in February this year after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
35 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Home Ministry to resume talks with Kuki-Zo insurgents
After a gap of nearly two years, the Union Home Ministry is set to resume talks with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur. The Hindu has also learnt from a senior government official that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact would also be 'renegotiated with stringent ground rules'. It has emphasised that 'any political solution' would be subject to the SoO framework being in place. The SoO is a tripartite pact aimed at ensuring peace in the Northeastern state. It was signed back in 2008 by the United Peoples' Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), an umbrella of 24 insurgent groups; the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Manipur government. It stipulates that the groups would completely abjure violence and not engage in unlawful activity. In return, the security forces would not launch operations against the groups as long as they abide by the agreement. The pact has been periodically extended since 2008, except on February 29 last year when the Manipur government pulled out. As a precursor to hold talks now, the MHA has sought removal of SoO camps from locations close to the valley districts which are dominated by Meitei people. Security forces have suggested that the number of camps be reduced from the existing 14 to seven camps. Further, on the latest chain of events, The Hindu learnt from the senior official that there may be no immediate extension of the SoO pact. It could only happen after the negotiations are completed. The Hindu's Profiles The Hindu's Daily Quiz Which city has the highest number of leopards in India? Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad Mumbai To know the answer and to play the full quiz, click here.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Manipur On Boil: Curfew, Teargas, Arson; Mob Storms Airport Entrance, Raj Bhavan Fortified
/ Jun 08, 2025, 01:33PM IST Manipur remains on edge after the Saturday night arrest rumours of a key leader from the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, sparking widespread protests across five valley districts. Demonstrators took to the streets, leading authorities to impose a strict curfew to prevent further unrest. Clashes between protesters and security forces were reported in some areas, heightening concerns of renewed violence in the conflict-hit region. The arrest has intensified existing ethnic tensions. Security has been ramped up, and the situation remains tense as authorities monitor developments closely.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
"India and our delegation received a very positive response", says Priyanka Chaturvedi after delegation's visit
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi , who was part of the Group-2 delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad , said on Sunday that the team received a very positive response from European nations regarding India's stance against terrorism. Speaking to about the trip, Chaturvedi said, "India and our delegation have received a very positive response. This shows that the world understands the fear of terrorism, and it is very important to stay united to address this issue... Everyone is united and equivocal about the fact that terrorism in all its forms has to be condemned." She added that the delegation engaged in talks with government officials, ministers, think tanks, and media representatives across Europe, all of whom expressed consistent support for India's long-standing fight against terrorism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "We went to six different countries and had discussions with media, think-tanks, govt officials, ministers... Everyone believes that the way India has been fighting for decades against terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, the same way countries in Western Europe are facing the same kind of challenges. We told the countries that Pakistan takes loans from the IMF to protect its terror camps. Europe has condemned terrorism in all its forms..." Chaturvedi said. She further exposed how Pakistan has been misleading the world with false narratives. "A completely fake narrative was being spread by their (Pakistan) army as well. Their own Generals were putting video war games in their press conferences and making all sorts of claims. We got a sense of clarity from the officials we met. The Foreign Minister of Germany totally condemned this, and to ensure accountability, everyone is anonymous." Live Events Chaturvedi also noted the wide reach of the delegation's efforts, saying, "This was a successful trip... These 7 delegations had meetings in almost 40 countries. I believe its outcome will be positive. Whether it is the United Nations, the IMF or the World Bank, everyone will adopt an accountability approach towards Pakistan ." The team, led by BJP MP Prasad, visited six nations and held high-level meetings on the issue of terrorism, where they strongly highlighted Pakistan's role in sponsoring terror. Earlier in the day, the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad returned to India after a diplomatic tour of several European nations. The delegation arrived at the airport in the national capital following a multi-nation visit aimed at strengthening India's ties with European partners. Speaking to the media upon arrival, Prasad said, "It feels great to be back in India. Our delegation visited France, Italy, Denmark, England, Brussels and Germany. We met senior leaders of the Parliament, think-tank and the Indian community. The foreign nations have a lot of anger over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and all the nations have condemned this. We went to the European Parliament as well. The Indian community was very excited to meet us. A new relationship is going to be established between India and Europe. It was a very satisfying visit..." The recent visit by the all-party Group-2 delegation, led by BJP MP Prasad, took place amid growing international concern over terror attacks, notably the Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir, which has drawn widespread condemnation from global partners.
