The meeting between Amit Shah and manipur HM came as authorities extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services—including VPN access—in five sensitive districts for an additional two days, citing fears of further unrest.
BY PC Bureau
April 13, 2026: Amid renewed unrest in Manipur, top security discussions moved to the national capital on Sunday as the state government scrambled to contain escalating violence. State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to review the situation and assess steps to restore order.
The meeting came as authorities extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services—including VPN access—in five sensitive districts for an additional two days, citing fears of further unrest.
The latest round of violence was triggered earlier this week when two people were killed and 29 others injured after security forces allegedly opened fire on a mob that stormed a paramilitary camp in Bishnupur district. The protest itself was sparked by anger over the deaths of a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister in an explosion in Tronglaobi.
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Unrest has since spread across multiple districts, with protests intensifying and at least three more civilian deaths reported in subsequent incidents. Curfew was imposed in several areas, though authorities allowed a 10-hour relaxation—from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.—on Sunday in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts.
Officials said the meeting between Konthoujam and Shah focused on immediate and long-term measures to stabilise the situation. In a statement shared on social media, Konthoujam described the talks as “constructive,” emphasizing efforts to strengthen peace, ensure stability, and protect public interests.
Before travelling to Delhi, Konthoujam visited the families of the Tronglaobi blast victims and reviewed on-ground preparedness, including inspecting prefabricated facilities being set up for the rapid deployment of central forces.
The state Home Department confirmed that internet restrictions will remain in place in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur after a fresh review. Officials warned that misinformation and rumours circulating on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X could trigger further violence, including mob mobilisation and arson.
They added that effective monitoring of mobile data remains a challenge, making continued restrictions necessary as a preventive measure.
The government had initially imposed a three-day suspension of internet services earlier in the week, citing a “volatile law and order situation.” While broadband services, including leased lines and fiber connections, were partially restored under regulated conditions, mobile internet curbs have continued and were extended again on Friday.
Manipur has remained volatile since ethnic violence first erupted in May 2023, leaving at least 260 people dead and displacing around 60,000. The conflict began between the Meitei and Kuki communities but has since expanded, drawing in multiple groups. The Meiteis, largely Hindu, are concentrated in the Imphal Valley, while the predominantly Christian Kukis reside in the surrounding hill regions.
