Imphal: The Manipur government on Tuesday suspended internet services in Ukhrul district, including mobile, broadband, VPN, and VSAT connections, for five days as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and ensure smooth functioning of the administration, officials said.
The move comes in the wake of fresh violence in the Litan Sareikhong area, following an alleged assault on a member of the Tangkhul Naga community. On Tuesday morning, several abandoned houses were set ablaze and shots fired, prompting the government to take preventive action.
The unrest follows recent restrictions imposed by two Tangkhul Naga organisations on the movement of Kukis in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. Earlier, tension had erupted on the Imphal–Ukhrul road after a fistfight between a Tangkhul Naga and a Kuki resident on the night of February 7 under the Litan police station jurisdiction.
Police reports indicated that armed men set fire to abandoned homes and discharged several rounds of bullets, leaving the situation tense. Security forces are currently engaged in restoring order.
The government order cited concerns that anti-social elements might exploit social media and messaging platforms to circulate inflammatory content, images, or videos, which could incite public passions and jeopardise communal harmony. Authorities warned of “imminent danger to life, property, and public tranquillity” as a result of such material.
All mobile service providers have been directed to comply strictly with the order.