The Manipur government has suspended internet and mobile data services for five days in five districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur — following a surge in protests and rising tensions.
The decision, which took effect from 11:45 PM on June 7, was taken to prevent the spread of fake news, hate messages, and inflammatory content through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Authorities feared that such content could lead to violence, loss of life, damage to property, and disrupt communal harmony. The suspension also covers VSAT and VPN services.
The protests broke out after the arrest of a leader from the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, with demonstrators blocking roads and burning tyres and furniture in parts of Imphal. A widely shared video showed BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba confronting the police and demanding to be arrested alongside another MLA if such actions continued. At the same time, police arrested three militants from banned groups — the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) and the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) — and recovered weapons, IEDs, and mortars during search operations.
The situation in Manipur remains tense due to ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. President’s Rule was imposed in the state earlier this year after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
