The Manipur government has ordered the suspension of internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN services in five districts for five days beginning today in view of renewed unrest over the weekend as reports of the arrest of leaders from the Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol began circulating . The five districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur.
Protesters took to the streets late Saturday in areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok in Imphal, demanding the release of those reportedly detained. Demonstrators set fire to tyres and old furniture, leading to clashes with security forces. At least two journalists and one civilian were injured in the violence that followed an attack on the Kwakeithel police outpost.
"In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts districts of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission serious of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have repercussions for the law and order situation in the State of Manipur, "Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar said in an order.
"There is an imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services," it added.
"To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and tomaintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, by it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, as Whats stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platform such WHATS App, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc, on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, demonstrators, mobile phone etc. and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and arson/vandalism which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in
and other types of violent activities," the order added.
While there has been no official confirmation of the arrests, multiple reports claimed that five volunteers of Arambai Tenggol were apprehended, possibly by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These developments sparked immediate tension across the state.
Security personnel were deployed in large numbers in affected districts, with several rounds of warning gunfire reportedly used to disperse unruly crowds. A police officer said, “Additional forces have been deployed to sensitive areas. We’re taking all steps to maintain control and prevent escalation.”
Arambai Tenggol is a Meitei youth group that has been active in the valley regions of Manipur. The group has previously been linked to heightened community mobilisation during episodes of ethnic tension. Their alleged involvement in recent disturbances and the suspected arrest of some of its members have once again flared the already fragile situation in the state.
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