IMPHAL: The Manipur government has further extended the suspension of internet services, including broadband, in the state.

This extension of suspension of internet services in Manipur came amid fresh instances of violence in the state.

As per the latest notification from the Manipur government, internet ban in the state will continue till June 10.

It was on May 3, that the Manipur government had first suspended internet services in Manipur, including broadband.

It may be mentioned here that Manipur has been on the boil since May 3 after clashes broke out between two communities in state and subsequent large-scale violence.

Nearly 100 people lost their lives and thousands of people were displaced following the clashes and subsequent violence in the state.

On the other hand, additional troopers of security forces have been ‘redeployed’ at Sugnu and Serou in Manipur following fresh incidents of arson and firing in the areas.

Notably, this ‘redeployment’ of security forces at Sugnu and Serou in Manipur was ‘necessitated’ following “multiple incidents of violence, arson and firing” in the past 48 hours.

Also read: Manipur violence | Fresh incidents of arson & firing in Sugnu and Serou, additional troops redeployed

The additional ‘redeployed’ troops have been tasked to beef up ongoing extensive area domination operations, ambushes and measures to prevent arson and violence.

As a result of extensive area domination operations by Assam Rifles, BSF and police in areas of Sugnu and Serou, intermittent exchange of fire took place between security forces and insurgents in the wee hours of Tuesday (June 6), an official statement stated.

Security forces took adequate measures to prevent insurgents from “breaking contact” and running away to nearby areas, the statement added.

A border security force (BSF) personnel lost his life and two Assam Rifles troopers sustained bullet injuries during an encounter with a group of insurgents at Serou in Manipur in the wee hours of Tuesday (June 6).

The two Assam Rifles personnel, who sustained gunshot wounds and have been evacuated by an Army helicopter to Mantripukhri in Imphal.

“Inputs indicate some casualties to insurgents and are being verified on ground,” the statement further informed.

During the preliminary search, two AK series rifles, one 51mm mortar, two carbines, ammunition and warlike stores have been recovered from the gunfight site.

“Operations are in progress to sanitise the area,” the statement added.