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Manipur Lifts Internet Ban After Security Improves, Easing Public Hardship

The Manipur government has revoked the suspension of mobile internet and data services in five Imphal Valley districts, citing an improvement in the law and order situation. The ban was initially imposed after a deadly bomb attack on April 7, which killed two children and injured their mother. State officials noted the ban had caused significant public inconvenience, disrupting courts, healthcare, education, and other critical services. Security operations and protests continue in the region as the National Investigation Agency probes the attack.

Key Points: Manipur Revokes Internet Ban as Law and Order Improves

  • Internet ban lifted after security review
  • Ban followed deadly April 7 bomb attack
  • Services restored across five Imphal Valley districts
  • Ban had crippled essential online services
3 min read

Manipur lifts internet ban as law and order situation improves​

Manipur government lifts mobile internet ban in five districts after review, citing improved situation and public hardship caused by the suspension.

"...the Governor of Manipur is pleased to order revocation of any temporary suspension of mobile internet services... - Mayengbam Veto Singh"

Imphal, April 18

With an improvement in the law and order situation, the Manipur government on Saturday revoked the suspension of mobile internet and data services, including broadband, across five Imphal Valley districts, officials said.​

The suspension of mobile internet and data services was initially imposed for three days, hours after a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district on April 7. The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants, claimed the lives of two children and left their mother injured.​

Since then, the restrictions have been extended in several phases, typically for two days at a time, across the five Imphal Valley districts, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. The measure was aimed at preventing any escalation of violence.​

Manipur Home Department Joint Secretary Mayengbam Veto Singh, in a notification issued on Saturday, said that the state government reviewed the prevailing situation, including the inconveniences and suffering faced by the public due to the internet ban, which had affected the functioning of important offices and institutions.​

According to the notification, the affected institutions and organisations included High Courts and District Courts, people working from home, chartered accountancy firms, lawyers, health facilities, refuelling centres, electricity and mobile recharge services, liquefied petroleum gas booking services, educational institutions, taxation offices, and other online citizen-centric services.​

"...the Governor of Manipur is pleased to order revocation of any temporary suspension of mobile internet services/mobile data services, including virtual private network services, in the territorial jurisdiction of the five districts of Manipur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur, in public interest with immediate effect," Singh said in the notification.​

Meanwhile, following the April 7 bomb attack in Bishnupur district, thousands of people, including a large number of women and members of various civil society organisations, have been holding intermittent protest rallies across the Imphal Valley districts. ​

Protesters have strongly condemned the attack and are demanding strict punishment for those responsible.​

The Manipur government has already handed over the investigation into the deadly incident to the National Investigation Agency. ​

A Manipur Police statement said that security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination exercises in fringe and vulnerable areas across districts.​

The movement of 174 vehicles carrying essential items along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway-37 has been ensured. ​

Strict security measures have been implemented in all vulnerable locations, and security convoys are being provided in sensitive stretches to ensure the free and safe movement of vehicles.​

A total of 114 checkpoints have been set up across different districts of Manipur, both in the hills and the valley, and 38 persons have been detained for curfew violations.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good decision by the state government. The ban was affecting livelihoods - from lawyers to CA firms to people working from home. The NIA investigation must bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. The attack on innocent children is heartbreaking. 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
While I understand the need for temporary bans to prevent rumor-mongering during tense situations, a blanket ban for weeks is too much. It cuts off people from emergency services, banking, and information. There has to be a better way to maintain law and order without such a drastic measure.
S
Sarah B
My heart goes out to the families of the victims. No child should suffer like this. Lifting the internet ban is a positive sign, but the real work is ensuring lasting peace. The security measures and convoys on NH-37 are crucial steps.
V
Vikram M
This is welcome news. The internet is not a luxury anymore, it's a basic utility. Hope the situation remains stable and the protestors' demand for justice is met. The government must also focus on rehabilitating those affected by the violence.
K
Karthik V
Good move. But let's not forget the root cause. The cycle of violence in Manipur needs a permanent political solution, not just temporary internet bans and security measures. Development and dialogue are key for the North East.

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

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