India resumes internet ban in restive Manipur after protests
India has reinstated an internet ban in the restive state of Manipur after violent protests erupted in response to the circulation of photographs depicting two deceased students killed during the ongoing months-long conflict, according to officials.
Since armed clashes first broke out in May between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the primarily Christian Kuki community in the remote northeast state, more than 150 individuals have lost their lives. The state has witnessed ethnic divisions, with rival militia groups establishing blockades.
Although a nearly five-month-long internet ban was lifted just last week, it was reimposed late on Tuesday following a wave of violent protests in the state capital, Imphal, during which dozens were injured.
Reports from local media indicate that on Tuesday, police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of irate students who had taken to the streets after photographs of two deceased individuals from the Meitei community-a 17-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man who went missing in July—were shared on social media.
The decision to cut off internet access was made in order to curtail the "spread of disinformation, false rumors, and other forms of violent activities through social media platforms," as stated in a government order.
Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of the state, announced late on Tuesday that authorities were actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Premier Narendra Modi and his administration have faced criticism for their inability to quell the violence in Manipur, a state governed by Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Human Rights Watch has accused Manipur authorities of contributing to the conflict through "divisive policies that promote Hindu majoritarianism."
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