Manipur witnessed a new wave of unrest as clashes broke out, prompting the government to suspend internet services and impose curfew across valley districts.
Violence erupted in Imphal on Saturday evening. Protesters clashed with security forces in several parts of the city. As a result, the state government took swift action to control the situation.
Internet Suspended for Five Days
To begin with, authorities suspended internet and mobile data services in all valley districts. These include Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. The suspension began on June 7 and will remain in effect for five days.
Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Manipur Police announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter). They also shared official orders regarding internet restrictions, curfew, and movement bans.
According to the government order, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts of Manipur, 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 in the State of Manipur.”
The order also stated that there was an imminent risk to public safety and communal harmony. Therefore, internet access had to be cut to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate content.
Curfew and Movement Ban in Several Areas
In addition to the internet ban, officials enforced a curfew in Bishnupur district. Moreover, they issued prohibitory orders in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching. These orders banned the gathering of five or more people.
Authorities said these steps were necessary to prevent further escalation of violence.
Protests Intensify After Arrests
Meanwhile, tensions rose sharply after the arrest of five members of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei group. One of the arrested individuals was reportedly a commander. Following this, angry protesters stormed the Kwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West.
They demanded the immediate release of the arrested men. As a result, security forces fired several rounds to disperse the crowd. During the clashes, at least three people, including two journalists, were injured. Furthermore, protesters clashed with security forces at other locations in the valley.
Protests in Moreh Remain Peaceful
On the same day, protests also erupted in Moreh, a border town in Tengnoupal district. Locals demonstrated against the arrest of a Kuki-Zo man. Though there were no reports of violence, the town remained tense. Moreover, authorities placed Moreh on high alert, as it shares a border with Myanmar.
Government Remains Silent
So far, the Manipur administration has not issued any official statement. However, the sudden protests and violent clashes have once again disturbed the already fragile peace in the state.
