Manipur Internet Shutdown: Manipur is once again grappling with unrest, as authorities moved swiftly to clamp down on communication channels following violent protests in Imphal. Internet services have been suspended in five key districts after clashes erupted on Saturday evening, raising fears of further escalation.
Five-Day Internet Ban Across Troubled Districts
Starting from 11:45 PM on June 7, internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPNs, were suspended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. The suspension will remain in effect for the next five days, as per an official notification from the Manipur Home Department.
The decision was announced around 2 AM on Sunday by Manipur Police via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and follows fresh incidents of public disorder and violence in the region.
A curfew has also been imposed in Bishnupur, while restrictions on the movement of five or more people have been implemented in the other four districts. The swift imposition of these emergency measures underlines the volatile nature of the current situation in Manipur.
Fear of Online Misinformation Sparks Digital Clampdown
According to an official statement by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, the government fears that anti-social elements may misuse social media platforms to circulate hate speech, inflammatory videos, and fake news, which could incite further violence and disrupt communal harmony.
“There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours,” the official order stated.
The suspension of services includes SMS, dongle internet services, and messaging platforms, in an attempt to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb organized unrest.
What Triggered the Violence?
Saturday’s unrest reportedly began after five volunteers of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organization, were arrested by security forces. News of the arrests quickly spread and tensions flared, leading to violent protests.
In Imphal, protesters stormed a police post, prompting officers to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces were reported at multiple locations across the capital and nearby areas.
Though no fatalities have been confirmed so far, the rapid escalation of violence prompted the government to act decisively to maintain law and order.
A Region on Edge — Once Again
Manipur has been witnessing sporadic episodes of unrest for more than a year, largely rooted in ethnic and political tensions. The latest incident is a reminder of the fragile peace that continues to define the northeastern state.
This recent flare-up — and the subsequent internet ban — has sparked concern among locals, civil society groups, and digital rights activists. While the government insists such actions are necessary to prevent further chaos, questions remain over the long-term impact of repeated communication blackouts on the public and democratic processes.
The Road Ahead
As authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, efforts are also underway to restore calm through dialogue and tighter security enforcement. Additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, and surveillance is being stepped up to prevent further gatherings or violent outbursts.
For now, people in the five affected districts are left without digital connectivity — a challenging prospect in an increasingly connected world, especially for students, businesses, and families trying to stay in touch.
As the countdown begins on the five-day ban, the focus remains on restoring peace and ensuring that the cycle of violence does not spiral further out of control.
