Amid escalating violence, the administration suspended the services on November 16 for two days to prevent anti-social elements from spreading content that might create law and order problems. It has been extended several times since then.
In an order the home department stated that the state government after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation has decided to continue suspension of mobile internet services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi for another two days in public interests.
Earlier the Manipur government had lifted the suspension on broadband services on November 19, considering the hardships faced by common people, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other offices.
Widespread violence took place in different districts of Manipur, especially in Imphal East, Imphal West and Jiribam after three women and three children belonging to the Meitei community had been “abducted by militants” from a relief camp in Borobekra Subdivision in Jiribam district on November 11 and their bodies recovered on November 15 and 16.
According to police officials, the six people were “kidnapped” after an encounter between the CRPF and the suspected militants leading to the killing of 10 suspected Kuki-Zo militants in the Jiribam district on November 11.Kuldiep Singh security advisor said that till now 258 people were killed including militants since May 3 last year. Over 3000 weapons which were looted have been recovered.The ethnic violence between the non-tribals Meiteis and tribal Kuki-Zo broke out in the northeastern state on May 3 last year after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
