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.

“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.

Source: Times of India.