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Manipur Eases Imphal West Curfew to 5-9 AM Amid Tensions After Attack

The Manipur government has relaxed the curfew in Imphal West district, allowing public movement only between 5 AM and 9 AM while banning gatherings and weapons. This comes alongside a three-day internet suspension in five districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech on social media. The restrictions follow a violent incident where suspected militants attacked a home, killing a 5-year-old boy and his 5-month-old sister. The attack triggered public protests, including road blockades and the burning of trucks.

Key Points: Manipur Curfew Relaxed in Imphal West, Internet Suspended

  • Curfew relaxed 5-9 AM in Imphal West
  • Strict ban on gatherings & weapons
  • Internet suspended in 5 districts
  • Attack killed two minor siblings
2 min read

Manipur: Imphal West curfew relaxed; movement allowed 5-9 AM

Manipur government relaxes curfew in Imphal West from 5-9 AM. Internet suspended in 5 districts after militant attack killed two children.

"In view of the prevailing law and order situation... anti-social elements might use social media for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages - Official Order"

New Delhi, April 9

The Manipur government has granted a relaxation in the ongoing curfew in Imphal West district, allowing residents to leave their homes only between 5-9 AM.

In an order, modifying the previous restriction on movement, K Jadumani Singh, District Magistrate (LA), Imphal West District, said that outside of this four-hour morning window, a strict curfew remains in effect until 5:00 AM the following day.

Even during the morning relaxation period, the order prohibits any gathering of five or more people and strictly bans the carrying of items like sticks, stones, weapons, or explosives.

These relaxations on restrictions are provided for public safety and require that no activities disturb the maintained law and order situation in the region.

However, specific groups are entirely exempt from these restrictions, including law enforcement, healthcare workers, emergency services, and employees of the Power Department.

Additionally, the RBI, commercial banks, and the judicial system, including the High Court of Manipur and local tribunals, will remain operational.

This modified schedule will stay in force until the District Magistrate provides a further update.

Earlier on Tuesday, internet services were suspended in five districts of Manipur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, for three days starting at 2:00 PM.

The decision was taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation, amid concerns that anti-social elements could misuse social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to spread misinformation, hate speech, and provocative content.

"In view of the prevailing law and order situation in 5 (five) districts of Manipur viz, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur, there exists apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the public which might have serious repercussions on the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur," the order said.

The decision comes in the wake of a tragic and violent incident in the Tronglaobi Awang Leikai area. Suspected militants allegedly attacked a residence around 1:00 AM, killing two minor siblings, a 5-year-old boy and his 5-month-old sister, while they were asleep. Their mother was injured and is currently receiving treatment.

The attack sparked widespread anger among local residents. In protest, demonstrators set fire to at least three trucks and blocked the Imphal-Tidim Road at several points, disrupting traffic and heightening tensions in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the curfew relaxation is a small relief, the internet shutdown for 5 districts is a major blow. How are students supposed to study or people run businesses? I understand the need to curb misinformation, but a blanket ban hurts ordinary people more than the "anti-social elements".
A
Aman W
The attack on innocent children is absolutely horrific. No political or ethnic cause justifies this. The state and central governments need to act decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
It's a practical step to allow movement from 5-9 AM. People can get their daily chores done. The exemption for essential services is crucial. Hope the situation stabilizes soon so these restrictions can be lifted entirely.
V
Vikram M
The blocking of the Imphal-Tidim road shows the public's anger. But we must also think of the long-term solution. Dialogue between communities is the only way forward for lasting peace in the Northeast. The government should facilitate that.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while law and order is important, these measures feel like treating the symptom, not the disease. The root causes of the tension in Manipur need to be addressed with sincerity. A 4-hour curfew break is a temporary fix for a deep-seated problem.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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