Imphal: The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services in seven districts for an additional two days, citing ongoing unrest. The move follows widespread violence and protests that erupted after the discovery of six bodies in the Jiribam district.
Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar announced the extension, which affects Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts.
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These districts, encompassing both valley and hill regions, will experience limited internet access until 5:15 pm on Wednesday, November 20th. Notably, the violence-hit Jiribam district remains exempt from the internet restrictions.
The internet suspension is a response to the volatile situation that unfolded on November 16th. The recovery of six bodies in Jiribam sparked anger and violence in valley districts, particularly Imphal East and Imphal West. To maintain order, authorities also imposed an indefinite curfew in five of these districts.
Manipur University students held demonstrations on campus, burning effigies of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in protest of a youth’s death in police firing in Jiribam.
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Police confirmed the fatality resulted from police firing, but details regarding who fired the shot remain unclear. Protesters allege a Manipur Police commando unit opened fire on a mob, resulting in the death and injuring two others.
Adding to the tension, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei community group, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the central and state governments.
They demanded “decisive action” against armed groups, threatening public outrage if their demands are not met. COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba also urged all MLAs, except tribal representatives, to work together and address the ethnic crisis.