Manipur government bans internet services in state till September 15
The Manipur government has imposed a five-day ban on internet services in the state, effective from 3:00pm on Tuesday. The decision was made due to concerns that anti-social elements "might use social media for transmission of images, hate speech" which may further provoke violence in the state. This comes hours after a curfew was imposed in the state capital Imphal and the surrounding valley following student-led protests that led to clashes with police.
Why does this story matter?
Manipur has been engulfed in violence since May last year. Initially sparked by ethnic tensions between the majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis, the conflict has deepened into severe divisions within Manipuri society. The unrest has resulted in at least 230 deaths, displaced around 50,000 people, and led to armed militias patrolling the streets. The police are divided along community lines, and many residents are living in constant fear within segregated enclaves.
Curfew imposed following student-led protests
The Manipur government has clamped curfew in Imphal East and West districts and issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS in Thoubal due to these protests. Protesters are demanding action against insurgents accused of using "improvised" projectile weapons and drone attacks last week, which police described as a "significant escalation" of violence.
Government's aim behind internet ban
The government stated that the internet ban is intended "to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony." It aims to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumors through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X. The government also hopes this measure will curb "mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators."
