Internet services suspended in Manipur amid student protests

New Delhi, Sep 10: Manipur is facing major student-led protests that forced the state government to suspend internet services on Tuesday. The internet blackout, ordered by the authorities, will continue until September 15 at 3 pm to prevent further unrest.

This ban affects all forms of internet, including mobile data, broadband, and VPN services. The decision follows an indefinite curfew imposed in Imphal East and Imphal West districts as tensions escalate.

According to the government, there is concern that social media could be used to spread false information, hate speech, and violent content, which could worsen the situation.

Protests have been growing across Manipur since last week when Kuki militants used a rocket projectile to target a former Chief Minister’s house.

With students taking to the streets in large numbers in Imphal West, clashes between students and security forces were reported, with protesters using catapults to fire objects at the police, who responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd as reported by the Assam tribune and several news agencies. The situation remains tense, and the Rapid Action Force has been deployed to maintain order.

Media reported that on Monday night, hundreds of students camped out at Khwairamband women’s market, demanding action from Manipur’s Governor. Their main demand is the removal of the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) and security advisor, whom they accuse of failing to manage the state’s ongoing ethnic violence.

In response, the central government has sent two more CRPF battalions, consisting of about 2,000 personnel, to help restore peace as reported by PTI. Schools and colleges across the state remain closed until Thursday due to the violence.