On Tuesday, the Manipur government declared a temporary blockage of internet and mobile data services in five districts in three days after mass unrest and an increased security crackdown following the tragic deaths of two children. The decision was a reaction to the rising public outcry against the suspected rocket attack that struck a house in the Bishnupur district in the early morning of Tuesday and killed the five-month-old girl and a five-year-old boy.
The police confirmed that the mother of the kids sustained injuries during the attack with the injured being rushed to a hospital in Imphal to get their wounds patented. Although medics tried to save them, the two young children died of their injuries and this led to anger and sorrow throughout the state.
With the worsening law and order, the government of Manipur has suspended internet and mobile services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupor districts on impending notice. The blackout that was imposed temporarily is to reduce the misinformation spread, avoid panic, and help security forces cope with the protests and keep the peace.
Authorities have encouraged people to stay calm and to collaborate with local police as the probe into the incident is ongoing. The security forces have been stationed throughout the affected regions to ensure that more violence does not occur and normalcy is restored. The administration has also called on the leaders of the communities to assist in curbing tensions and also aid in supporting the families that have been affected by the attack. The event has attracted a lot of criticism among the civil society groups in the area signifying how imperative safety measures and stability in the area would be.
This act highlights the dilemma of the Manipur government between ensuring safety of the population and communicating with the citizens in times of crises.