Internet snapped in 5 Manipur districts, curfew in Bishnupur

Confrontations between security forces and protestors were also reported at the Kwakeithel area, leaving multiple protestors injured.

In the early hours of Sunday, internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN services were suspended in the districts of Imphal East and West, Kakching, Thoubal and Bishnupur for a period of five days through an order issued by Manipur Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar. The order cites an apprehension that “ some anti-some anti social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state of Manipur.”

Internet services were last snapped in these districts in Manipur in September last year after protests  in these areas following a renewed escalation of violence in the state.

Prohibitory orders under section 163 of the BNS were also imposed across the valley districts citing “apprehension of serious breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility, riot or affray in the area, and grave danger to human lives and properties due to unlawful activities of anti-social elements.”  In Bishnupur district, total curfew has been imposed with effect from 11 pm of June 7.