The Manipur government has extended the suspension of internet services in five districts until September 20, citing the need to maintain public order amidst ongoing ethnic tensions. The five districts affected are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching, which have been at the center of unrest linked to ethnic conflicts between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
The initial internet ban, imposed on September 10 for five days, was aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and curbing the potential for violence. With tensions still high, the extension was deemed necessary by the state’s Home Department. The blackout applies to mobile data, broadband, VSATs, and even VPN services, impacting thousands of residents who have voiced frustration over the prolonged disruption to communication, education, and business.
Ethnic tensions fuel prolonged blackout
Manipur has been a hotspot for ethnic strife since May 2023, when violent clashes broke out between the Meitei majority and the Kuki tribes. Over the past few months, hundreds of people have been displaced, and many have sought refuge in relief camps. Local law enforcement and central forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been working round the clock to restore peace, but the challenges are substantial.
The extension of the internet suspension comes on the heels of several violent incidents, including fresh outbreaks of violence in hill regions like Churachandpur. In a joint operation involving the Indian Army, Manipur Police, and paramilitary forces like the CRPF and BSF, a cache of arms and ammunition was seized in the Churachandpur district, further highlighting the volatility of the situation. The recovered weapons included AK-47 rifles and improvised mortars, sparking concerns about the scale of armament in the state.
Security forces have intensified operations to recover illegal arms and dismantle underground networks supplying weapons to insurgent groups. Earlier this week, CRPF DIG Manish Kumar Sachar visited relief camps and interacted with displaced families from the Kuki community, many of whom expressed their desire to return to normalcy. However, the prevailing law and order situation remains a significant barrier.
Internet Blackout’s Impact on Daily Life
The internet suspension has severely impacted daily life in the affected districts, particularly for students, businesses, and individuals dependent on online services. Schools and universities have been forced to revert to offline modes of education, while many professionals, especially those engaged in e-commerce and remote work, have found their livelihoods disrupted.
Despite public grievances, the Manipur government has justified the blackout as a critical tool to prevent the escalation of violence. Officials argue that social media platforms have been misused to spread inflammatory content and misinformation, which can easily spark violence in the already tense environment. “Given the current situation, restoring internet access would be irresponsible and could lead to more harm than good,” said a senior official from the state’s Home Department.
The prolonged disruption has sparked debates about the balance between security measures and citizens’ rights to communication. Residents have called for phased internet restoration, particularly for essential services like healthcare and education, but the state remains firm on maintaining the blackout as long as ethnic tensions persist.
Law and order: A fragile balance
Efforts to restore peace continue with the involvement of both central and state security forces. The state government has ramped up dialogue with community leaders, seeking to bridge the deep ethnic divide. However, the path to peace is fraught with challenges. As long as the internet suspension remains in effect, Manipur’s fragile state of law and order will continue to be tested.
The situation has drawn attention from national authorities, with central government officials expressing concern about the long-term impacts of the conflict. Security forces have been instructed to remain vigilant, particularly in regions with mixed ethnic populations, where violence has the potential to reignite.
As of now, the internet ban is set to remain in place until 3 PM on September 20. However, if the law and order situation does not improve, further extensions are not off the table. Residents and businesses in the affected districts are bracing for continued restrictions, but many hold out hope for a gradual return to normalcy in the coming weeks.
Outlook: Hope and uncertainty
The road ahead for Manipur remains uncertain. While security forces continue their operations, residents are left grappling with the challenges of living without internet access, a critical tool in today’s digital age. Government officials have called for patience, urging the public to cooperate with security measures, but the tension in the air is palpable.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the state will have to navigate the delicate balance between ensuring safety and addressing the growing public demand for digital access. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of the internet suspension and, more broadly, peace in Manipur.
