The internet shutdown will continue until September 15
In response to increasing tensions and ongoing student protests, the Manipur government has temporarily halted internet services for five days, restricting people from leaving their homes. As per a notification from the Home Department, the internet blackout will continue until September 15th.
An order from the Home Department of Manipur has been issued to halt internet and mobile data services, as well as Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands, and VPN services in the state for five days starting from Tuesday at 3 pm till Sunday at 3 pm in September 2024.
The order explained that it is justified by meeting requirements such as a fear of “certain anti-social individuals” using social media to spread images, hate speech, and hateful videos to provoke “public emotions”.
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The order mentioned that social media could be used to spread inflammatory content
It was also mentioned that social media, SMS, and dongle services could be used to spread inflammatory content and untrue rumors, resulting in a potential threat to life and property, as well as causing public unrest and disrupting communal harmony.
Additionally, education officials stated that all public, supported, and independent educational institutions in Manipur will be shut on September 11 and 12, 2024.
Students staging protest demanding action against those behind the recent attacks
On Monday, numerous students from different schools and colleges established camps at the Khwairamband Women Market in Imphal. The students are staging a protest, urging for measures to be taken against the perpetrators of the recent drone and missile attacks, and advocating for safeguarding the state’s “territorial and administrative integrity”.
On Tuesday, they attempted to proceed towards the Raj Bhavan via the BT Road but were obstructed by security forces close to the Congress Bhavan.
Officials reported that tear gas shells were used when student and female protesters clashed with security forces while trying to march towards Raj Bhavan to demand the removal of the DGP and security advisor to the Manipur government.
Curfew imposed in Imphal East and West districts
Manipur University students organized a protest rally and set on fire an effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Imphal East and West districts have been placed under curfew by the Manipur government, while Thoubal has prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS due to student protests.
