Manipur govt suspends internet services in 5 districts for five days

The Manipur government has suspended all internet and mobile data services in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—for five days starting 11:45 pm on 7 June. The order also covers VSAT and VPN services.

Citing a deteriorating law and order situation, the official notification 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 order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, was taken under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

Officials warn of social media’s role in escalating violence

Officials believe the temporary shutdown is essential to stop the circulation of harmful content.

The order warned of an “imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services.”

It further stated, “To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony… it has become necessary to take adequate measures… to stop the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.”

According to the directive, social media posts and bulk messaging were being used to mobilise mobs and incite vandalism and arson, putting public safety at serious risk.

“The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,” it noted.

Arrest sparks protests, roads blocked and tensions rise

The blackout came shortly after street protests erupted in Imphal East and West districts on the night of 7 June.

Protesters were reacting to the arrest of a key leader from Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organisation. In areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok, residents blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture. The demonstrations drew attention across the state.

In a video widely shared online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba confronted security personnel and said, “If this continues, arrest me and another MLA as well.”

The statement was made in response to the police crackdown on local leaders.

Militants arrested, weapons seized in crackdown

At the same time, security operations intensified across the state.

Three individuals linked to banned militant outfits—the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK)—were arrested. During the raids, police recovered arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and mortars. These arrests were part of a broader crackdown aimed at tackling rising militant activity in the region.

State under President’s rule as ethnic violence continues

Manipur has remained under tension since May 2023. A prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 260 lives. Thousands have been displaced, and the violence shows no signs of slowing.

In February this year, President’s Rule was imposed after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from office. The administration has since functioned under the oversight of the Union Government.

This latest shutdown marks another flashpoint in the state’s deepening crisis. With internet services down, movement restricted, and tensions high, residents remain caught between violence, fear, and uncertainty.