Manipur Government Imposes Five-Day Internet Blackout in Ukhrul District
The Manipur government has taken the drastic step of suspending all internet and data services across Ukhrul district for a period of five days. This decisive action, which came into effect at 11:30 AM on February 10, was officially announced on Tuesday in response to a rapidly deteriorating law and order situation following fresh outbreaks of violence in the region.
Official Order Cites Social Media Misuse Concerns
In an official order, the state administration expressed serious apprehension that anti-social elements might exploit social media platforms to transmit inflammatory images, posts, and video messages. The government stated that such content could incite public passions and have severe repercussions on the overall law-and-order stability within Manipur. The suspension, described as a preventive and precautionary measure, covers mobile data, broadband, VPN, and VSAT services.
Violence Erupts in Litan Bazar Following Alleged Assault
The internet shutdown follows a night of intense violence in Litan Bazar, where mobs set fire to at least two dozen homes and several private vehicles beginning Sunday night. The unrest was reportedly triggered after a Tangkhul Naga villager, identified as Sterling Shimray, was critically injured in an alleged assault by suspected Kuki tribesmen. This incident quickly escalated into rioting and arson involving members of both communities.
Officials confirmed that more than 20 private residences and government quarters were reduced to ashes, forcing hundreds of villagers to flee the area. In response, security forces have been significantly scaled up, a ban has been imposed on carrying licensed firearms, and the situation remains tense despite immediate administrative interventions.
High-Level Meetings and Appeals for Peace
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho chaired an emergency meeting at Litan police station, which included MLAs from both the Tangkhul and Kuki communities. Dikho emphasized that a few individuals are behind this violence and assured that the government would soon arrest the culprits to restore calm. He noted that both sides have expressed a desire for peace.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the injured villager at RIMS Imphal and made a public appeal for residents to maintain peace and harmony. Adding to the calls for restraint, the Litan Sareikhong Village Authority issued a statement urging that the incident, which began as an altercation involving intoxicated individuals, should not be communalized.
Underlying Tensions and Legal Basis for Shutdown
The region's underlying tensions are further complicated by ongoing protests from Kuki-Zo groups related to recent political developments in the state. The internet suspension has been formally ordered under Rule 3 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024. The government issued the order ex parte due to the emergent nature of the situation and has warned that any violation will invite strict legal action.
