Manipur suspends internet in 5 districts after bomb attack, CM reviews security situation

Imphal: To prevent further escalation of violence, the Manipur government on Tuesday suspended internet and mobile data services, including broadband, for three days across five Imphal valley districts.

The government move came hours after a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district, reportedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants, claimed the lives of two children, officials said.

According to a notification issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar, the decision was taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

Authorities fear that anti-social elements may misuse social media platforms to spread inflammatory content, including images, hate speech, and videos that could incite unrest and further destabilise the situation.

The notification stated that “to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, it has become necessary to take adequate preventive measures” and emphasised that curbing the spread of disinformation and false rumours is essential in the current circumstances.

Officials highlighted that misleading content could be circulated through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter via devices including mobile phones, tablets, and computers.

There are also concerns that bulk SMS services could be used to mobilise crowds, potentially leading to arson, vandalism, and other violent activities.

In light of these risks, the government ordered a temporary suspension of internet services, including broadband, VSATs, and VPN services, across the affected districts. The suspension came into effect from 2 p.m. on Tuesday and will remain in place for three days, unless specific exemptions are granted by the state government.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Imphal to review the law and order situation.

Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Chief Security Advisor to the Manipur government Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh and other Army and para-military officials were present in the meeting.

In a post on his X handle, the Chief Minister stated that restoring peace and normalcy remains the government’s top priority and assured that necessary measures and operational arrangements have been implemented to ensure public safety.

The Chief Minister also held a separate meeting with a group of MLAs to assess the situation and discuss steps to de-escalate tensions.

In a post on Facebook, Khemchand Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring stability and maintaining law and order across the state.

Earlier, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m., when a powerful explosive device, allegedly fired by suspected Kuki militants, struck a residence. A five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister were killed instantly, while their mother sustained injuries. All three were reportedly asleep at the time of the attack, which also caused significant damage to the house.

The Chief Minister visited a private hospital in Imphal to check the condition of the injured woman and directed officials to ensure she receives the highest level of medical care and full support.

Calling the incident a “barbaric act” and an “assault on humanity”, Khemchand Singh said it was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the state’s fragile peace.

“Those responsible will be identified and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated,” he asserted, adding that the government remains resolute in safeguarding every citizen.

Reaffirming his appeal for unity, the Chief Minister urged people to stand together against forces seeking to disturb communal harmony. He assured that the perpetrators behind the heinous attack would be tracked down and justice would be delivered at the earliest.

IANS