Manipur extends internet suspension amid protests over Jiribam violence

The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services for two additional days in seven conflict-affected districts following ongoing unrest triggered by recent violence in Jiribam.

This move aims to curb further escalation of tensions and maintain law and order, officials said.

According to an order by Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, the suspension of mobile internet and data services will remain in effect from 5:15 p.m. on Monday until 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday in districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur. However, the violence-hit Jiribam district remains excluded from the suspension, reported NDTV.

In addition to the internet restrictions, an indefinite curfew has been imposed in five valley districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching - following the escalation of violence.

The unrest began on November 16 when protests erupted after the recovery of six missing persons’ bodies in Jiribam on November 15 and 16.

Students at Manipur University staged large-scale protests, including burning effigies of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, condemning the death of 21-year-old K. Athouba in Jiribam on Sunday night.

A police official confirmed the youth died in police firing but said investigations are ongoing to determine who fired the fatal shot. According to protesters, the incident occurred when police commandos fired on a mob that was attacking properties belonging to political leaders and party offices, leaving two others injured.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a key Meitei community body, has intensified protests, locking down government offices, including those of the Chief Electoral Officer and Directorate of Economics and Statistics.

COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the central and state governments, demanding decisive action against armed groups and a resolution to the ongoing ethnic tensions. He also called for all 50 non-tribal MLAs, representing both ruling and opposition parties, to take immediate and effective steps to address the crisis.

"If satisfactory actions are not taken, the government will face the full force of public anger," Athouba warned.

The situation remains tense, with authorities striving to restore calm amid rising public discontent and protests across the state.