Manipur govt lifts curb on mobile internet in 9 districts after more than 3 weeks

Guwahati: Manipur government on Monday revoked its order for suspension of mobile and broadband internet imposed on November 16, following violent protests in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley districts.

A notification issued by N Alok Kumar, the state Home Commissioner, said the order to lift the temporary suspension of internet services in nine districts would come into effect immediately. The restrictions were imposed in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzwl districts.

Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Pherzwl are Kuki-dominated districts.

The restrictions were imposed after protesters attacked the residences of at least 13 Ministers and MLAs in Imphal following the alleged killing of 3 Meitei women and children by Kuki insurgents. The restrictions in the Kuki-dominated districts were also imposed in view of protests against attack on the Kuki-Zo persons in Jiribam, including the killing of 10 Hmar persons by security forces.

Similar curbs on mobile and broadband internet was imposed earlier too since the conflict involving the Meitei and the Kuki communities flared up in May last year. As many as 258 persons have died in the conflict and in actions by the security forces, and over 60,000 others have been rendered displaced. The situation still remains tense despite presence of a large number of central security forces, including the army.