The Manipur government has informed that internet services have been suspended only in five valley districts, not statewide, following intensified student protests. The revised order, issued on Tuesday evening, details the temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services, including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands, and VPN services, in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts for five days starting from 3:00 P.M. on September 10, 2024.
The hill districts are excluded from this restriction. The decision comes in response to escalating violence and public unrest linked to inflammatory materials and false rumors circulated through social media and messaging services.
Manipur has been experiencing frequent clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community for over a year. The conflict has resulted in ethnic enclaves and periodic hostilities. Last week, renewed violence led to the deaths of at least 11 people, with rival militias imposing blockades in various parts of the state.
A curfew was imposed in Imphal and the surrounding valley on Tuesday after student-led protests on Monday turned violent, clashing with police. Protesters have demanded action against insurgents accused of using improvised projectile weapons and drones in recent attacks, which police described as a “significant escalation” of violence.
To address the situation and prevent further unrest, the government has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation and false rumors through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The aim is to maintain law and order, prevent mob mobilization, and avoid damage to public and private property.
In a related development, Manipur University has postponed all undergraduate and postgraduate exams due to the ongoing unrest. Students have been advised to check the university’s official website, manipuruniv.ac.in, for updates on the revised examination schedule. The postponement reflects the broader impact of the violence and curfew on educational activities in the state.