Manipur Violence Erupted Again: Internet Shut, Curfew Imposed

Manipur Violence broke out in Imphal on Tuesday when students marched toward Raj Bhawan, demanding the resignation of the Director General of Police (DGP) and the state security advisor.

The student-led march began after the deadline they had set for the resignations passed. The students had set a 1:00 PM deadline on Tuesday, but when their demands were not met, they proceeded to march toward Raj Bhawan, resulting in clashes between students and security forces. Some students called for the appointment of a representative to negotiate, while the majority insisted on a direct meeting with the governor, escalating the situation.

To disperse the crowd, security forces used tear gas, injuring several students who were rushed to the hospital. The violence in Manipur led to curfews in several valley districts and an internet shutdown. Later in the evening, an amended order extended the internet suspension to five highly affected districts to curb the spread of misinformation and ensure public safety.

 

Timeline of the Latest Violence

Tuesday: Violence erupted in Manipur as students, frustrated over a missed deadline, marched to Rajbhawan to express their dissatisfaction. They demanded a direct meeting with the governor, leading to clashes with security forces.

Clash Details: Security forces used tear gas to disperse the students, resulting in injuries to several participants.

Government Response: Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in three districts and shut down the internet in affected areas.

Internet Shutdown: The Manipur Home Department suspended mobile internet, lease lines, VSATs, broadband, and VPN services for five days across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.

Objective: These measures aim to curb misinformation and ensure public safety amidst escalating violence that has been ongoing since September 1.

 

Reason Behind the Violence

The violence stems from ongoing clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began last year after a court ordered the extension of special economic benefits and job quotas to the Meiteis. This conflict has led to significant unrest in Manipur, with at least 226 civilians killed. In response, a curfew was imposed, and the internet was shut down from May to December 2023 to prevent misinformation. Frustration among students and local groups over slow reforms and ineffective dialogue has exacerbated the situation. This mix of historical grievances and current discontent has significantly fueled the recent violence.

 

Governor’s Response to Manipur Violence

Manipur Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya expressed his concerns about the situation and urged all sections of society—students, security forces, and civilians—to work together to maintain peace in the state. Following the violence, Raj Bhawan issued a statement: “Student representatives met with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and submitted a memorandum. They urged the governor to take appropriate steps to address their demands.”

 

Conclusion

The recent outbreak of violence in Manipur highlights the persistent tensions and ongoing unrest that have plagued the region. The student-led protests, triggered by unmet demands and escalating frustrations, have resulted in clashes with security forces and significant disruptions, including curfews and an extended internet shutdown. The unrest, rooted in historical conflicts between the Meitei and Kuki communities, underscores the need for effective and timely reforms. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya’s call for cooperation among all societal sectors is crucial in addressing the current crisis and working towards long-term peace. The state’s response, including curfews and internet restrictions, aims to restore order and prevent further violence. As Manipur navigates this challenging period, collaborative efforts and dialogue remain essential to achieving lasting stability and addressing the underlying issues fueling the unrest.

 

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