The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet services in nine districts of the state for an additional two days, until 5:15 PM on December 3, citing law and order concerns.

In an order issued by the Home Department, the suspension applies to the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, and Jiribam. The order stated, “After reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its correlation with the operation of internet services, the state government has decided to continue the suspension of mobile internet and data services, including VSAT and VPN services, in the public interest.”

The suspension of mobile internet began on November 16, following violent incidents triggered by the recovery of the bodies of three women and three children in the Jiri and Barak rivers in Manipur and Assam. The deceased had been missing from a relief camp in Jiribam district after a clash on November 11 between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants, which resulted in the deaths of 10 insurgents.

The state government conditionally lifted the ban on broadband internet services (ILL and FTTH) on November 19 to ease challenges faced by residents, healthcare services, educational institutions, and offices. However, strict conditions were imposed, including restrictions on accepting unauthorized connections and prohibiting the use of Wi-Fi or hotspots.

Ongoing Ethnic Violence

Ethnic violence in Manipur has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023, primarily involving the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo groups. The violence escalated following the disappearance and eventual discovery of the six victims, sparking fresh tensions across the state.

As the government grapples with maintaining law and order, internet restrictions remain a critical measure to curb the spread of misinformation and potential escalation of unrest.