Manipur bans internet for 5 days amid student protests
Manipur internet ban: The Manipur government suspended internet service in the state for five days on Tuesday, citing concerns that some anti-social groups "might use social media for transmission of images, hate speech" that could incite more unrest in the state.
"Temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, broadbands and VPN services (were ordered) in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for five days with effect from 3 PM of September 10 to 3 PM of September 15," the order read.
For more than a year, Manipur has been shaken by recurrent conflicts between the majority Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki group, separating the state into ethnic enclaves.
After months of relative calm, violence between the two communities flared out again this week, killing at least 11 people. Rival militias have set up blockades around the state.
A curfew was enforced on Tuesday in Imphal, the state capital, and the surrounding valley following student-led protests on Monday that clashed with police.
Protesters demanded action against rebels accused of using "improvised" projectile weapons and drone assaults last week, in what authorities described as a "significant escalation" of violence in the state.
- With inputs from agencies
