Curfew Imposed in Imphal, Internet Suspended in 6 Districts Amid Rising Tensions in Manipur

Curfew Imposed in Imphal: On Saturday, a curfew has been re-imposed in Imphal West District for an indefinite period citing the law and order situation in the region. In addition, the internet has also been suspended for two days by the district administration, fearing that certain antisocial elements may create disturbances in the district by using social networks.

It is important to observe that the government had also issued a statement on the lifting of restrictions from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on November 16. However, they rescinded the order without hesitation as several incidents of violence against the houses of Meitei community MLAs in Imphal were reported. The residence of Meitei MLAs was vandalized in protest over the killing of 6 women and children by militants.

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The order of internet suspension has been made for Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi as well as Churachandpur District of Manipur, India.

The prohibitory orders have been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 which talks about prohibition of movement of any individual outside their individual places of habitation.

The official note read, "...do hereby order temporarv susDension/curbinq of internet and mobile data services including VSATs, broadband (lILL & FTTH) and VPN services in the territorial iurisdiction of currently affected districts of imphai West, imphal East. Bishnupur. Thoubai. Kakchina. Kanqpokpi and Churachandpur of Manipur for 2 fTwo) days with effect from 5:15 PM of 16-11- 2024 except for those Lease lines and FTTH connections to Government Offices or any case whereby the State Government grants exemption".

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"Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024. Total curfew is imposed with effect from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders," read an official statement by the Government of Manipur.

"All persons involved in essential services such as health, electricity, CAF & PD, PHED, petrol pumps, municipality, press and electronic media, functioning of courts, and to-and-fro movement of flight passengers to the airport, as well as contractors/workers with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards, shall be exempted from the curfew," read the order.

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