Manipur violence: Manipur government suspended internet services across the state for the next five days after fresh violence erupted during a tribal agitation on Wednesday. The authorities also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in several districts.
Officials imposed curfew in eight districts of Manipur and suspended mobile internet services in the entire northeastern state over violence during a tribal agitation on Wednesday. In Imphal, the district administration imposed section 144 with immediate effect.
Till now, several district administrations have issued orders imposing curfew until further notice.
Tribal Solidarity March
Earlier, violence was reported during ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in Torbung area of Churachandpur district to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. ATSUM said the rally was organized to express dissent to the “persistent demands of the Meitei community for its inclusion in the ST category” gaining momentum.
Several incidents of violence were reported in Manipur during the rally. Report said protesters burnt tires and other objects on the isolated roads of Torbung Village in Tuibong Tehsil area in Churachandpur district.
On the other hand, in Naga-dominated Senapati town located about 58 km from the capital town of Imphal, the local bodies forced a total shutdown of markets and suspension of public transport from 10 am to 1 pm to ensure that a maximum number of demonstrators participated in the rally.
In Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Noney and Ukhrul also similar rallies were organised to support the Tribal Solidarity March.
Misuse of social media
A letter by the Home Department of Manipur reads: “Some antisocial elements are using social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public. The social media has also become a handy tool for rumour mongers and is being used to instigate the general public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state of Manipur.”
Meanwhile, Director General of police, C Doungel, said that the situation was tense and volatile in the districts of Bishnupur and Churachandpur.
The Meiteis, who make up 53 per cent of the state’s population, inhabit the Valley, which accounts for about 10 per cent of the state’s land area. The community claims that they are facing difficulty due to “the large-scale illegal immigration by Myanmarese and Bangladeshis”.
The situation continues to remain tense in Manipur several areas days after a mob went on a rampage and set on fire the venue where Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was scheduled to hold a programme in Churachandpur district.
Tension gripped New Lamka town following violence and arson over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest areas.
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