Fresh unrest erupted in Manipur on Saturday evening, prompting the state government to suspend internet and mobile data services for five days starting June 7 in the valley districts, following violent protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Imphal.
The Bishnupur district has been placed under curfew, while prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been enforced in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching, restricting the gathering of five or more people.
At around 2 am on Sunday, Manipur Police confirmed the developments via X (formerly Twitter) and shared official orders related to internet suspension, curfew, and movement restrictions.
The government cited a potential threat to public safety and property due to the possibility of inflammatory content and hate messages spreading through social media, which could incite violence and disturb communal harmony.
The internet shutdown, ordered by the Commissioner and Home Secretary, was implemented “in view of the prevailing law and order situation,” with concerns that anti-social elements may exploit social media to spread hate videos and false rumors.
The unrest was triggered by the arrest of five members of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei community group, including one of its commanders. In retaliation, a mob stormed the Kwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West, demanding their release. Security forces responded with warning shots to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to at least three people, including two journalists.
Protests also erupted in Moreh, a town near the India-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district, following the arrest of a Kuki-Zo individual. While the situation there remains tense, no violence was reported, though the town remains on high alert.
The Manipur administration has not yet issued a public statement on the sudden escalation of tensions in the state, which has been struggling with fragile peace over the past year.
