Manipur Meltdown: Protests Spark Clashes and Internet Shutdown
Fresh unrest has engulfed the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. According to multiple Indian news outlets, tensions began escalating on Saturday evening, culminating in clashes between protesters and police in the state capital, Imphal. In response to the deteriorating situation, several districts in Manipur have had internet services suspended starting Monday, as reported by AFP. Additionally, a curfew has been imposed in Bishnupur district.
Reports from Hindustan Times and The Times of India indicate that public gatherings have been banned in key districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching.
The Manipur police have issued prohibitory orders restricting assemblies of five or more people.
The state's Commissioner and Home Minister issued a joint statement outlining the volatile conditions in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. The statement warned that “some individuals are believed to be intentionally inciting public sentiment.”
It further cautioned that “social media may be used to disseminate inflammatory speeches and videos, which could severely impact the law and order situation in Manipur.” Citing these concerns, authorities have decided to suspend internet services for the next five days.
According to Anandabazar Patrika, the renewed unrest was triggered by news of the arrest of five individuals from the Meitei community, including members of the Arambai Tenggol group.
The arrests followed an alleged attack by several members of the Meitei community on the Kwakeithel police post in West Imphal. The incident led to their immediate detention.
As news of the arrests broke, protests erupted with demonstrators demanding the immediate release of those detained. Protesters reportedly set tyres ablaze on the streets and blocked major roads. Residents in Imphal claimed they heard gunfire.
There are allegations that the police fired multiple rounds to disperse the demonstrators. In the ensuing chaos, at least three people, including two journalists, were injured. The unrest rapidly spread to various parts of the state.
NDTV reported that a group of young men poured petrol on themselves, threatening to self-immolate unless Arambai Tenggol’s leader, Kanan Singh, was released.
According to the NDTV report, Kanan Singh is the prime suspect in the February 2024 attack on the residence of Additional Superintendent of Police Moirangthem Amit, as well as the subsequent abduction of a senior police officer.
