Manipur: Internet Services Suspended Across 7 Districts, Curfew In Imphal West As State On Boil Again

The internet services will be suspended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur of Manipur.

Imphal: Smoke and flames billow out of vehicles that were set on fire during demonstrations after three bodies, suspected to be of six missing persons from Jiribam district, were found near the Manipur-Assam border on Friday night, in Imphal, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.

Source : PTI

In view of the ongoing protests in Manipur, the state government has suspended internet and mobile data services in seven districts for two days with effect from 5:15 PM on Saturday. The development comes as protestors stormed the residences of three Manipur ministers and six MLAs on Saturday during their demonstrations across various districts over the killing of three persons, including two children, who allegedly went missing in Jiribam last week.

The internet services will be suspended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur of Manipur.

"Temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including VSATs, broadband (IILL & FTTH) and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of currently affected districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur of Manipur for 2 (Two) days with effect from 5:15 PM of 16-11- 2024 except for those Lease lines and FTTH connections to Government Offices or any case whereby the State Government grants exemption," the order read.

Meanwhile, the state government has also imposed curfew in the Imphal valley for an indefinite period as the law and order situation remains grim. The curfew was imposed for an indefinite period in Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts of Imphal valley.

Protestors ransacked the houses of three of six MLAs and set their properties ablaze, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells to disperse them in different parts of Imphal.

Earlier today, a mob stormed the residence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan Lamphel Sanakeithel in Imphal West district. He had assured protestors that he would discuss the issues regarding the killing of the three persons at a cabinet meeting and that he would tender his resignation if the government fails to address the public issues.

Protesters also stormed the residence of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L Susindro Singh in Khurai area in Imphal East district. Later, security forces had to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the agitators who were attempting to storm the residence of Susindro Singh. 

Agitators also attacked BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh's residence in Sagolband area in Imphal West. They gathered in front of the residence of his house and raised slogans demanding an appropriate response from the government and to arrest the culprits within 24 hours. The angry mob even vandalised the BJP MLA's house and set his properties ablaze. He is the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.