September 15th 2024.
On Sunday, the Manipur government announced that the ban on mobile internet services in five districts would be extended for an additional five days, until September 20. This came as the curfew was relaxed for a few hours in four districts in the morning.
According to the Home Department's order, the decision was made due to the current law and order situation. The ban on mobile internet services was initially put in place on September 10, after two days of violence and student protests. The affected districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.
In a statement released on Sunday, Commissioner of Home N. Ashok Kumar explained that the decision to extend the ban was made after assessing the situation and its possible connection to the previous suspension of internet services. As a result, internet and mobile data services, including VSATs and VPN services, will continue to be suspended in the five districts mentioned above for an additional five days, starting from September 15.
However, on September 12, broadband and fixed lease line internet services were restored in the Manipur Valley, while the ban on mobile internet services remained in place. The suspension of mobile internet services in the five districts has been in effect since September 10.
The authorities in Manipur are concerned about potential unrest in the valley regions, particularly in the state capital Imphal and its surrounding areas. To prevent any further violence, curfew was reimposed indefinitely in four districts on September 10. However, on Sunday, restrictions were temporarily lifted for seven hours starting from 5am.
The state of Manipur has been plagued by violent incidents since September 1, with at least 12 people, including women, the elderly, and a retired soldier, being killed by suspected militants. Over 20 others have been injured in various districts. In response to these events, thousands of students from schools and colleges have taken to the streets in protest for two days. Their demands include the removal of the Director General of Police and chief security advisor for their alleged failure to address the growing militant violence.
The student leaders met with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister N Biren Singh separately to express their demands, which also include the withdrawal of Central forces from the state and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur. Due to the ongoing violence and student protests, the Higher and Technical Education Department, as well as the Directorate of Education, have ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and technical institutions until September 14.
Meanwhile, the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and Manipur Police continue their anti-insurgency operations throughout the state.
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