Mobile Internet Ban Extended In Manipur For 5 Days

The Manipur government has extended the ban on mobile internet services in five districts for another five days, until September 20. This decision comes amid ongoing law and order concerns. The government has also relaxed curfew prohibitions in four districts for a few hours each morning.

Details of the Extension and Curfew Relaxation

The Home Department announced the extension of the mobile internet ban, citing the current law and order situation. The affected districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The order, issued by Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, also includes the suspension of VSATs and VPN services in these areas.

On September 12, the state government restored broadband and fixed lease line internet services in these districts but maintained the mobile internet suspension. Authorities initially imposed the mobile internet ban on September 10 for five days, following violence and student protests.

Curfew prohibitions were reimposed on September 10 in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Thoubal due to escalating violence. However, the government relaxed these prohibitions on Sunday, allowing a seven-hour window from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. for essential activities.

Violence and Protests Prompt Security Measures

Manipur has experienced severe violence since September 1, with militants killing at least 12 people, including two women, and injuring over 20 others. The unrest led to student protests on September 9 and 10, where demonstrators demanded the removal of top security officials and the withdrawal of Central forces from the state.

In response to the violence and protests, the Higher and Technical Education Department, along with the Directorate of Education, ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and technical institutions until September 14. The Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and Manipur Police are actively conducting anti-insurgency operations across the state.

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