Manipur Extends Mobile Internet Suspension In Nine Districts Till December 9; Exemptions For Govt Offices

Manipur experienced widespread protests and curfews in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal—after the discovery of the bodies of six civilians.

The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet services in nine districts until December 9, according to the state home department's lastest order.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar stated that the decision was made after assessing the law and order situation, and the suspension includes mobile internet, data services, VSATs, and VPNs in Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzawl districts until 5:15 pm on December 9, 2024.

The internet ban was extended in Jiribam and Pherzawl districts for two days with effect from 11.45am on November 17 after it coming into force in the state's seven districts from November 16. The ban came with the exemptions for lease line and FTTH connections to government offices or as approved by the state government.

Curfews Relaxed In Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, And Thoubal districts

In order to fulfil certain terms and conditions, the state government came up with a decision to lift the suspension in the case of Broadband service (ILL and FTTH). Therefore, the commissioner (Home) issued an order in this regard on November 18.

Meanwhile, the government has relaxed curfews in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Thoubal districts from 5 am to 4 pm on December 8 to allow residents to purchase essentials.

Normal classes in schools and colleges across the valley districts of Manipur resumed on November 29, after government orders issued on November 28.  Educational institutions in areas under curfew had been closed since November 18.  

The state experienced widespread protests and curfews in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal—after the discovery of the bodies of six civilians, including three women and three children. These individuals had gone missing after a November 11 encounter in Jiribam district, where security forces killed ten armed militants.