The Government of Manipur on Tuesday ordered the temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services across five valley districts, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, for a period of three days beginning 2 pm on April 7, citing concerns over the prevailing law and order situation.

According to the order issued by the Home Department, authorities apprehended that anti-social elements could misuse social media platforms to circulate inflammatory content, including hate speech, images, and videos that could incite unrest and disrupt public order.

The directive covers all forms of internet services, including broadband, mobile data, VSATs, and VPN services.

The order has been issued under Rule 3 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, as a preventive measure aimed at maintaining peace and communal harmony in the affected districts.

Authorities stated that the decision was taken in the public interest in view of an emergent situation.

The order also warned that any violation would invite legal action, while noting that exemptions may be granted in specific cases, subject to approval.

DEADLY BOMB ATTACK IN BISHNUPUR TRIGGERS PROTESTS

The internet suspension comes in the backdrop of a deadly bomb attack in Manipur’s Bishnupur district that killed two children and injured their mother, triggering protests by locals.

The incident took place at around 1 am in the Moirang Tronglaobi area when suspected militants hurled a bomb at a house, killing a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl, a senior police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

The children and their mother were sleeping in their bedroom when the explosive device detonated.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh described the attack as a “barbaric act" and said those responsible would face strict legal action.

“I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be identified, hunted down, and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances," the Chief Minister said.

Calling the attack “an outright assault on humanity and a direct attempt to derail the hard-earned peace in Manipur," the Chief Minister asserted that the state government remains committed to ensuring peace, order, and stability.

He also urged people to remain united against those attempting to disturb communal harmony.

Following the incident, locals staged protests in the area, torching two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump.

Protesters also burnt tyres outside the Moirang Police Station and damaged a makeshift police outpost, police said.

Security forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.

Police also recovered an explosive device from a nearby area on Tuesday, another senior officer said.

Local NPP MLA Th Shanti Singh condemned the incident as a “brutal attack," describing it as an act of terrorism.

“This heinous act is nothing less than an act of terrorism. Such inhuman acts have no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," he said, while offering condolences to the bereaved family.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

SECURITY FORCES INTENSIFY SEARCH OPERATIONS

Meanwhile, security forces continued large-scale search operations across Manipur as part of efforts to curb illegal activities and armed groups.

In Bishnupur district, security personnel recovered a 0.32 pistol, three live rounds, an HE hand grenade, a single-barrelled gun, one blank round, and five 12-bore cartridges from Upokpi Khunou Mamang Leikai and adjoining Loktak Lake areas.

A major recovery was also made at Dampi Ridge in Churachandpur district, where a modified AK-47 rifle, two 12-bore rifles, two 9 mm pistols with magazines, four improvised mortars, more than 80 rounds of live ammunition, and two bulletproof jackets were seized.

Walkie-talkies and one kilogram of explosives were also recovered, according to the press note.

Additionally, security forces recovered three packets of WY tablets weighing approximately 3.5 kg from the Homeguard Veng area of Moreh in Tengnoupal district. In Imphal East district’s Satang Hill range, security personnel destroyed three bunkers as part of area domination exercises.

Authorities said movement of 290 vehicles carrying essential commodities along NH-37 was ensured under security escort, while strict security measures were implemented in vulnerable locations.

A total of 116 checkpoints were installed across districts in both hill and valley areas, though no detentions were reported.

Manipur Police also urged the public not to believe rumours or circulate unverified videos or audio clips on social media, warning that such actions could invite legal consequences.

Authorities further appealed to individuals to return looted arms, ammunition, and explosives to the nearest police station or security forces.

Source: News18