Authorities in Manipur have suspended internet and mobile data services in five valley districts following violent protests on Saturday night in Kwakeithel, Imphal West. The unrest erupted after the arrest of a leader from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol by security forces.
A curfew has been imposed in Bishnupur district, while prohibitory orders have been enforced in Imphal East, Kakching, Imphal West, and Thoubal districts.
Officials stated that due to the prevailing law and order situation, all internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN access, have been suspended for five days, effective from 11:45 PM on June 7.
Protesters took to the streets, burning tyres and shouting slogans demanding the release of Arambai Tenggol, who has been accused of leading brutal attacks on Kuki villages during the ongoing ethnic violence. As soon as news of the arrest spread, mobs gathered, setting parts of the area on fire, and gunfire was reported for several hours. Security forces have since been deployed across the valley.
The leader of Arambai Tenggol has reportedly called for a 10-day shutdown.
According to an official order, “There is an imminent danger to life and public and private property, along with a serious threat to communal harmony and public peace due to the potential spread of inflammatory content, fake news, and rumors through social media, messaging apps, SMS, and dongles.”
Sources familiar with the protests confirmed that a civilian and a journalist were injured during the unrest. A viral video from the scene shows Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba appealing to the protesters: “We tried very hard to bring peace. If you do such things, how will peace come? Arrest me along with the MLA.”
The situation remains tense. Since the ethnic violence began in May 2023, more than 260 people have been killed and over 59,000 displaced.
