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Key Points

The Manipur government has imposed a five-day internet suspension across five districts to control potential social unrest. Authorities are concerned about the spread of inflammatory content and hate speech through social media platforms. The move is intended to prevent potential mob mobilization and protect public safety. The shutdown covers all mobile data, VSAT, and VPN services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.

Key Points: Manipur Suspends Internet in 5 Districts Amid Tensions

  • Shutdown covers mobile data, VSAT, and VPN services
  • Aims to prevent spread of inflammatory content
  • Targets potential social media-driven unrest
  • Implemented across five key Manipur districts
3 min read

Manipur govt suspends internet services in 5 districts for five days

Manipur government orders 5-day internet shutdown in Imphal West, East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur to prevent social unrest

"There is an imminent danger of loss of life and damage to public property - N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home)"

Imphal, June 8

The Manipur government has ordered the suspension internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN services in five districts for five days with effect from 11:45 P.M. of June 7. The five districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur.

Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 8 (ANI): The Manipur government has ordered the suspension internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN services in five districts for five days with effect from 11:45 P.M. of June 7. The five districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur.

"In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts districts of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission serious of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have repercussions for the law and order situation in the State of Manipur, "Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar said in an order.

"There is an imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services," it added.

"To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and tomaintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, by it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, as Whats stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platform such WHATS App, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc, on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, demonstrators, mobile phone etc. and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and arson/vandalism which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging inand other types of violent activities," the order added.

"Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN Bishnupur services in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & districts of the State of Manipur for 5(five) days with effect from 11:45 P.M. of 07-06- 2025 except for those cases whereby State Government exempts and allows for whitelisting," it added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a necessary step by the Manipur government. We've seen how quickly fake news spreads and creates violence. Better to have temporary inconvenience than loss of lives. Hope peace returns soon to the state 🙏
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Priya M.
While I understand the security concerns, internet shutdowns affect students, businesses and common people the most. The government should find better ways to monitor social media without cutting off essential services. #DigitalIndia shouldn't mean no internet when needed most.
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Amit S.
Northeast states always face these issues. Instead of temporary solutions, center should work on long-term peace initiatives. Internet ban affects economy, education and healthcare services. Jai Hind!
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Sanjana T.
My cousin in Imphal says people are struggling without UPI payments and online classes. The government should at least keep essential services running. There must be a middle path between security and daily needs.
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Vikram J.
This shows how fragile the situation is in Manipur. Instead of just reacting, we need proactive measures - better intelligence, community engagement and economic development. Internet shutdowns can't be the only tool in the box.
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Neha P.
As someone from the Northeast, I feel these shutdowns create more frustration among common people. The troublemakers always find ways to communicate while ordinary citizens suffer. Hope the situation improves soon 🤞

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