Internet services in Manipur have been suspended once again, a mere two days after they were restored in the conflict-ridden state. This suspension comes in the wake of disturbing images circulating online, depicting the before and after of a gruesome incident involving the killing of two students who had been missing since July 6.
According to a government order, the temporary suspension or restriction of mobile internet data services and internet/data services in Manipur will remain in effect for five days, concluding at 7:45 p.m. on October 1.
The decision to suspend internet services was prompted by widespread public outrage in Imphal following the viral dissemination of images depicting the bodies of the two Meitei teenagers. The Manipur government expressed serious concerns about the spread of disinformation, false rumors, and potentially violent activities through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. These actions were seen as a potential threat to public and private property and the overall law and order situation in Manipur.
Since May of this year, Manipur has been grappling with ethnic tensions between the majority Meiti and the minority Kuki communities. The initial shutdown of internet services began in the districts of Churachandpur and Pherzawl on April 28 and was subsequently extended to cover the entire state on May 3.
On a positive note, Manipur's Chief Minister N Biren Singh had recently announced the full restoration of internet services in the state. However, this latest suspension follows the disturbing images that emerged online.
In July, broadband services in Manipur were partially restored with specific conditions and a mandatory undertaking for users to sign. Mobile internet services, however, remained suspended at that time.
The distressing images that surfaced on Tuesday revealed two Manipuri students, who had been missing since July 6. One image showed the two students sitting on a grassy area with two armed individuals standing behind them, while another image circulating on social media depicted the lifeless bodies of these students, identified as 17-year-old Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old Phijam Hemjit.
In response to the images, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh assured swift and decisive action against those responsible for the kidnapping and murder of the students. The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.
Since the outbreak of violence on May 3 during a "Tribal Solidarity March" in the hill districts of Manipur, over 160 people have lost their lives, and several hundred have sustained injuries. This violence originated from protests against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meiteis constitute approximately 53 percent of Manipur's population and primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley, while tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up around 40 percent of the population and reside predominantly in the hill districts.
