Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jun 8: Following five days of internet and mobile data service suspension, authorities in five Imphal valley districts have now declared an indefinite curfew. This stringent measure comes in the wake of violent protests that erupted Saturday after the arrest of a leader and four members of the radical Meitei organization, 'Arambai Tenggol.'
A senior official confirmed Sunday that the indefinite curfew, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), covers the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. These districts are predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community. Separate orders issued early Sunday by the respective District Magistrates prohibit gatherings of five or more people and the carrying of any weapons, including sticks, stones, firearms, or sharp objects.
The internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, were initially suspended in these five valley districts late Saturday night. Manipur's Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), N. Ashok Kumar, stated in his late Saturday order that the suspension was a preventive measure. He cited "the prevailing law and order situation" and "apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation."
The arrested Arambai Tenggol leader, Kanan Singh, and the four other members are expected to be presented in a local court later today, Sunday. Police officials have not yet disclosed the specific reasons for their arrest.
The five Imphal valley districts have been gripped by high tension since Saturday evening. A significant deployment of Central and state forces, led by senior officials, is currently maintaining a strong presence, particularly in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, to bring the situation under control.
In protest of the Arambai Tenggol members' arrests, a large number of demonstrators, both men and women, took to the streets. They burned tires and old furniture on major roads in areas like Kwakeithel and Uripok in Imphal West District, demanding the immediate release of those detained. Protesters also reportedly gheraoed (surrounded) several important installations. In some instances, Arambai Tenggol activists engaged in symbolic protests by dousing themselves with petrol. Local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots in Kwakeithel, though confirmation regarding the source of fire or any injuries remains unavailable.
The opposition Congress has sharply criticized the state government's handling of the escalating violence. State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh expressed his dismay on X, stating, "There is no initiative of dialogue for peace and the failure of constitutional machineries continues in Manipur. The people of Manipur are in deep pain and completely helpless."