Imphal: The Manipur government on Tuesday extended internet restrictions to two more districts, enforcing a five-day suspension of all internet and data services in select areas of Kangpokpi and Kamjong districts.
This shutdown comes into effect at 5.30 pm today and marks an expansion of restrictions already in place in the neighbouring Ukhrul district.
According to the orders issued by the state home department on Tuesday, internet services, including broadband, VPN and VSAT connections, have been suspended across the entire revenue jurisdiction of Lhungtin sub-division in Kangpokpi district and Phungyar sub-division in Kamjong district.
Authorities cited concerns over the “volatile law and order situation” in the adjoining areas of the three districts as justification for the measure.
The government warned that anti-social elements might exploit social media platforms to circulate inflammatory images, posts and video messages that could incite public unrest.
The suspension has been imposed under Rule 3 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, after receiving approval from the governor of Manipur, who termed the move a preventive and precautionary measure based on the prevailing security situation.
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All internet service providers, including Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Jio, BSNL and other operators, have been directed to ensure immediate compliance.
Hundreds of villagers, including women, children and the elderly from Litan Sareikhong and nearby Kuki villages, have fled their homes over the past two days, seeking shelter in safer areas of Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts.
Several families have taken refuge in Motbung and parts of Saikul in Kuki-majority Kangpokpi, officials said.
Locals who fled the violence reportedly confronted security personnel, accusing them of failing to prevent the firing and arson.
