Authorities in India’s strife-torn northeastern state of Manipur imposed a curfew and an internet blackout on Tuesday after violent rallies staged to condemn the latest round of killings in ethnic clashes.
Manipur has been rocked by periodic clashes for more than a year between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, dividing the state into ethnic enclaves.
At least 11 people were killed last week as hostilities between the two communities erupted again after months of relative calm.
The curfew was imposed in the state capital Imphal and the surrounding valley after student-led protests on Monday sparked clashes with police.
A local government notice announced a “total curfew… with immediate effect until further orders”.
In addition, a government notice announced the “temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services” to take effect on Tuesday, blaming “disinformation and false rumours” on social media for fanning unrest.
On Monday, students “provoked” security officials protecting the state governor’s residence in Imphal “by pelting stones and throwing plastic bottles”, police said in a statement on Monday.
Protesters in another valley district snatched arms from police and fired at them, the statement said.
“One police personnel was hit on the left thigh by a live round and another police personnel was hit in the face by an unknown projectile,” it said.
Protesters were demanding action against insurgents accused of using “improvised” projectile weapons and drone attacks last week, in what police called a “significant escalation” of violence in Manipur.
Long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities revolve around competition for land and public jobs.
Rights activists have accused local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain.
Manipur is ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Manipur government has suspended internet services across the entire state for five days, effective from 3 PM on Tuesday, in response to rising student agitation. The decision was made to prevent the spread of hate speech, images, and videos via social media, according to a notification issued by the state home department.
The suspension covers mobile data, broadband, VPN services, and other communication lines, and will remain in effect until 3 PM on September 15. “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 till 3 PM of September 15,” the notification stated.
Authorities in Imphal East and West have imposed a total curfew in both districts starting from 11:00 amon Tuesday, September 10, due to escalating law and order issues. The earlier curfew relaxation from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm was revoked with immediate effect, according to official orders released on Monday.
Essential services, including healthcare, public utilities, courts, media, and movement for flight passengers, are exempt from the curfew.
Meanwhile, joint operations by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and other security forces have led to the recovery of significant arms and ammunition across various districts, following intelligence-led searches in Churachandpur District.
