Manipur, India

Following a fresh surge of violence in the North-Eastern Indian state of Manipur, authorities on Tuesday (Sep 10) suspended mobile internet, broadband, and VPNs for five days. The state’s home department in a statement said there were concerns that some anti-social elements may use social media to fuel violence.

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“In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur,” the statement read.

Watch: Manipur Violence: Ethnic violence returns in India's Manipur

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“There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquility and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services,” it added.

The move comes after an indefinite curfew was imposed in both the Imphal districts earlier in the day. Local administration in Imphal East and Imphal West issued curfew orders effective from 11 am citing “the developing law and order situation”.

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At least 11 people have been killed in the recent spree of violence that began on September 1. The unrest has been fuelled by massive student protests in Thoubal and Imphal. Police earlier used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protestors who in turn pelted stones.

In Imphal, the situation became tense as students even tried to storm into the official residences of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

In a major concern for the state government, rockets and drones were also used in recent cases of violence. Since last May, over 200 people have lost their lives in the state as a result of clashes between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups.

(With inputs from agencies)