Manipur: The Manipur government on Tuesday suspended the internet for five days as students clashed with security forces amid their protest march over the demand for the removal of the state’s police chief. The government imposed curfews in Imphal East and West districts and prohibitory orders in Thoubal.
As 11 people have been killed in different incidents of ethnic violence in the state since September 1, students have led massive protests in the valley areas, particularly in Thoubal and Imphal. At least 20 people, including police personnel, were injured after a confrontation broke out between the protesters and police in Thoubal.
The decision to ban the internet was taken by the Home Department to prevent the use of social media for the dissemination of hate images, speech and video. The ban will likely be lifted on September 15.
“Temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, broadbands and VPN services (were ordered) in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for five days with effect from 3 PM of September 10 to 3 PM of September 15,” the notification said.
The district magistrates of Manipur; Imphal West and Imphal East have imposed curfews in both districts starting from 11:00 am Tuesday, September 10. “This Office, vide Order of Even No. dated 9th September 2024, issued a curfew relaxation order under Cril. Misc Case No. 5 of 2024 for relaxing curfew imposed under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023, in Imphal East District with the relaxation period from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on 10th September, 2024.
Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 11:00 AM of 10th September 2024. Hence, there is a total curfew in Imphal East district with immediate effect and until further orders,” one of the orders stated.
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