Internet Services Suspended in 5 Manipur Districts After Meitei Outfit Leader’s Arrest Triggers Violent Protests

Internet services have been suspended for five days across five valley districts in Manipur after violent protests erupted Saturday night following the arrest of a prominent leader from the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol. The state government imposed prohibitory orders and curfew restrictions, citing fears that anti-social elements could exploit social media platforms to spread inflammatory content and disrupt public order.

The suspension affects Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts, home to hundreds of thousands of residents in the state’s valley region. Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar issued the directive as an emergency measure following widespread unrest that began Saturday evening.

“In view of the prevailing law and order situation, especially in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages to incite the passion of the public,” the official order stated.

The protests began immediately after authorities arrested the Arambai Tenggol leader, with demonstrations quickly spreading across Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Arambai Tenggol is a prominent Meitei civil society organization that has been actively involved in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.

Manipur Police confirmed the restrictive measures through their official social media channels, announcing that District Magistrates across the affected areas have issued prohibitory orders. The gathering of four or more people has been banned in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Kakching districts, while a complete curfew has been enforced in Bishnupur district.

The emergency order was issued “ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,” indicating the urgency with which authorities moved to contain the unrest. Officials warned that individuals violating the internet ban and assembly restrictions would face legal consequences under relevant provisions of the law.

Citizens have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as security forces work to restore normalcy in the affected areas. The swift imposition of internet restrictions reflects the state government’s concern about the potential for social media to amplify tensions and coordinate further protests.

This latest incident adds to the ongoing challenges facing Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. The conflict has resulted in over 200 deaths and displaced thousands of people, making it one of India’s most serious internal security challenges.

The Arambai Tenggol organization has been a significant player in the Meitei community’s response to the ethnic conflict, often organizing rallies and protests. The arrest of one of its leaders appears to have struck a particularly sensitive nerve, triggering the immediate and widespread demonstrations that prompted the government’s emergency response.

The five-day internet suspension will significantly impact daily life, business operations, and communication in the affected districts, which constitute the economic and administrative heart of Manipur. Educational institutions, healthcare services, and commercial activities are likely to face disruptions as residents lose access to digital communication platforms.