Manipur govt suspends internet in five districts following fresh violence in Bishnupur district

Internet has been temporarily suspended in Manipur's five valley district—Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—for three days in order to maintain law and order in the area.

This decision comes after two minors including a five-month baby boy were killed in Manipur's Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district on Tuesday, throwing a wrench in the ongoing peace process.

The Commissioner Home N Ashok Kumar, signed the order banning internet and mobile data services in five districts from Tuesday, it said.

A Home department statement said, "In view of the prevailing law and order situation in five districts of Manipur - Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur and to stop the spread of disinformation and false rumours ... the government has decided to order temporary suspension of internet services and mobile data services including Broadband, VSATs and VPN services in five districts."

The attack is suspected to have been carried out by Kuki insurgents.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh described the attack as a "barbaric act" and assured the people that those responsible for the crime would be identified and dealt with firmly under the law.

(with PTI inputs)