Amid major protests, the Manipur government shuts down internet services in five districts

New Delhi (India) June 8: The Manipur government has stopped internet and mobile data services in five critical districts for five days because of a serious law-and-order situation and the possibility of social media being exploited to promote violent content. 

The directive was issued late on June 7 by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar. It applies to Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts.

The official order says, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur district there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation.”

"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.”

The order also had a warning of an “imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread 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.”

The action was taken after Saturday night protests in Imphal East and Imphal West, where people ran to the streets in response to the arrest of a Meitei group leader Arambai Tenggol.

Protesters have reportedly stopped highways in Kwakeithel and Uripok with burning tires and furniture and demanded the leader's release. In a viral video, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba is seen to be speaking to security forces asking them to arrest him and another MLA if the arrests continued.

Police have reported the arrests of three militants from banned organisations which included the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK). Weapons, IEDs and mortars were also found during search operations at various places. 

The state is unstable due to the ethnic violent conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. It has claimed over 260 deaths since May 2023. President's rule was imposed in February 2025 in the state after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Aadrika Tayal