Manipur, thought to be on the mend until a fresh outbreak of violence since Sept 1 resulted in 11 deaths, returned to shutdown mode after the administration clamped an indefinite total curfew in three districts, blocked broadband and mobile internet in five districts, and bolstered its 26,000-strong contingent of central armed police forces with two additional CRPF battalions. Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal are the valley districts under curfew.
Internet and mobile data had been initially suspended in the entire state before the authorities amended the order, restricting the blackout to Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching for five days. The trigger for the BJP-led state govt's move was spiralling civilian unrest in the valley, with slogan-shouting student protesters in Imphal clashing with police and burning effigies. Banners declaring “Stop Indian proxy war” and “Go back central security forces” reflected the protesters’ defiance, which authorities blamed on social media channels allegedly spreading misinformation and inciting people. The turmoil harked back to mid-2023, when much of Manipur would be under curfew for extended periods as mobs ran riot and militant outfits joined in the ethnic violence that created a hill-valley divide. Internet services, too, remained suspended in the state for months.
Officials cited “imminent danger to life and widespread disturbances because of inflammatory material and rumours” for the renewed internet blockade. The protest by students was over the alleged administrative failure that allowed violence to erupt in May last year and enabled suspected tribal militant outfits to resume attacks on civilians in the valley this month.
