India's Manipur imposes curfew, cuts internet to quell escalating violence
Authorities in India’s northeastern state of Manipur have imposed an indefinite curfew and blocked internet access following student protests against a new surge in the ethnic violence that has rocked the region for more than a year.
The state's Home Ministry issued a directive on Tuesday, ordering the shutdown of all internet and mobile data services for five days in an effort to contain the ongoing unrest.
The ministry’s notice warned that "anti-social elements" could misuse social media to spread inflammatory content, including hate speech and videos that could provoke further violence among the public.
The curfew was imposed across three districts, with the suspension of internet and mobile data set to remain in effect until Sunday. The state government stated this measure was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech, which could escalate tensions.
Manipur, home to 3.2 million people and located on the mountainous border with Myanmar, has faced recurring violence for over a year. The conflict primarily involves the Hindu-majority Meitei and the Christian-majority Kuki communities, who are at odds over access to economic benefits, government jobs, and educational quotas.
Despite the presence of military forces, the clashes have continued unabated. In the past 10 days, at least nine people have been killed and several others injured as armed groups launched drone and rocket attacks using improvised weapons.
Since last May, the violence has claimed around 250 lives, and tens of thousands have been displaced as mobs swept through villages, setting homes on fire.
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