Manipur govt suspends internet services in 5 districts for five days
The Manipur government has suspended all internet and mobile data services in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—for five days starting 11:45 pm on 7 June. The order also covers VSAT and VPN services.
Citing a deteriorating law and order situation, the official notification stated, 'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts… 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.'
The government order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, was taken under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
— ANI (@ANI)
Officials warn of social media's role in escalating violence
Officials believe the temporary shutdown is essential to stop the circulation of harmful content.
Live Events
The order warned of an 'imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity 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 further stated, 'To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony… it has become necessary to take adequate measures… to stop the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.'
According to the directive, social media posts and bulk messaging were being used to mobilise mobs and incite vandalism and arson, putting public safety at serious risk.
'The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,' it noted.
Arrest sparks protests, roads blocked and tensions rise
The blackout came shortly after street protests erupted in Imphal East and West districts on the night of 7 June.
Protesters were reacting to the arrest of a key leader from Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organisation. In areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok, residents blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture. The demonstrations drew attention across the state.
In a video widely shared online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba confronted security personnel and said, 'If this continues, arrest me and another MLA as well.'
The statement was made in response to the police crackdown on local leaders.
Militants arrested, weapons seized in crackdown
At the same time, security operations intensified across the state.
Three individuals linked to banned militant outfits—the
Kangleipak Communist Party
(People's War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK)—were arrested. During the raids, police recovered arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and mortars. These arrests were part of a broader crackdown aimed at tackling rising militant activity in the region.
State under President's rule as ethnic violence continues
Manipur has remained under tension since May 2023. A prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 260 lives. Thousands have been displaced, and the violence shows no signs of slowing.
In February this year, President's Rule was imposed after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from office. The administration has since functioned under the oversight of the Union Government.
This latest shutdown marks another flashpoint in the state's deepening crisis. With internet services down, movement restricted, and tensions high, residents remain caught between violence, fear, and uncertainty.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
'You started it, we will end it': Iran media warns Donald Trump after strikes on nuclear sites; airs map of US military bases in Middle East
(Photo: X) Iranian State TV aired a bold warning to US President Donald Trump , displaying a map of US military bases in the Middle East alongside the message: 'Mr. Trump, you started it, and we will end it.' The message comes as tensions soar following Trump's confirmation that the US military carried out strikes on three of Iran's major nuclear sites. — bennyjohnson (@bennyjohnson) In a post on his Truth Social account early Sunday morning local time, Trump said, 'We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.' He added, 'There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!' The president is expected to deliver a televised address at 10pm ET. The strikes signal a major shift in US policy, as Trump has now committed American military power to support Israel's ongoing operations against Iran. The Israeli government had already spent more than a week targeting Iran's air defences and missile systems before the US joined in. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia and Memory Issues Have Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? gofitlifeguide Click Here Undo The White House confirmed that Israel was informed in advance of the US attack. A US official told Reuters that B-2 stealth bombers were used to hit the targets. These bombers are capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs, making them suitable for deep underground sites like Fordow. Although Trump had earlier said he would decide within two weeks whether to act, preparations for military action intensified over the weekend. According to NBC News, he is not currently planning additional strikes inside Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei had also warned that it would be bad if the US got involved in the conflict with Israel.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel-Iran war: What are B-2 bombers used by US to strike Iran? Here's why they're key
US Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber (File Photo) The United States formally entered the Israel-Iran conflict, as it bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran early Sunday morning local time. US President Donald Trump, who earlier gave himself a 2-week window to decide on whether to strike Iran or not, announced the air strikes in a post on his Truth Social platform. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump wrote. Later, in an address to the nation, Trump announced that the US Air Force's B-2 Spirit bombers hit Tehran's nuclear facilities. What are B-2 Spirit bombers? Why were they used? Built by American aerospace firm Northrop Grumman, the B-2 Spirit is more famous as the Stealth. It is capable of entering sophisticated air defenses and conducting precision strikes against hardened targets such as underground nuclear research facilities, like the ones in Iran. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The B-2 is the most expensive military aircraft ever built, as each unit costs about $2.1 billion. It has a range of over 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling, enabling strike capabilities from US continental bases. On the other hand, with aerial refuelling, it can reach virtually any target worldwide. A 2-pilot aircraft, the B-2 has a payload capacity of more than 40,000 pounds, and can thus carry a diverse array of both conventional and nuclear weapons. It is also equipped with large ordnance loads, which could include two GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator), and a 30,000-pound precision-guided "bunker buster" bomb. The MOP is the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal, specifically engineered to defeat hardened underground bunkers.
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump's strike on Iran raises strategic, political risks ahead of retaliation
Trump's strike on Iran raises strategic, political risks ahead of retaliation Two days after offering Iran a two-week deadline to avoid military action, US President Donald Trump announced airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The attack, carried out Saturday evening, June 21, marked a sharp escalation in tensions and introduced new uncertainties regarding military outcomes and domestic political fallout. 'Two weeks' turned out to be two days. On Thursday, Trump presented Iran with a negotiation window to avert a strike. By Saturday, he declared the strikes 'very successful' in a social media post, adding, 'Now is the time for peace.' Also read: In his own words: Trump's Iran strike tests his rhetoric on ending wars by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo It remains unclear whether the original deadline was a tactical feint or if negotiations, reportedly led by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, collapsed behind the scenes. Trump's message of seeking peace contrasts with the risks of retaliation from Iran , which had previously warned against US involvement in the conflict initiated by Israel. Iran retaliation expected as strike objectives unclear Live Events Among the sites struck was the Fordow nuclear facility, considered a critical component of Iran's uranium enrichment infrastructure. Analysts note that Iran maintains a range of retaliatory capabilities and that the airstrikes may not have neutralized its nuclear operations. Iran's response to direct US involvement is now the central question. The US airstrikes followed weeks of Israeli operations aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities. However, Tehran retains substantial resources and has warned that further escalation could prompt regional consequences. Trump's strategy appears to involve pressuring Iran into negotiations. However, analysts question whether military action will succeed where diplomacy during Israeli strikes did not. 'Now is the time for peace,' Trump wrote, but Iran's previous refusal to engage under fire suggests continued resistance, not compliance. Also read: Trump wins immediate praise from Republicans in Congress after announcing strikes on Iran It will take time to determine whether the strikes inflicted lasting damage on Iran's fortified nuclear facilities. If they failed to achieve their core objectives, calls for additional US military action may increase, placing greater pressure on the administration and military planners. Domestic backlash grows over US military escalation Saturday's strikes also carry significant domestic political implications. Critics from both major parties have questioned the strategic necessity of the operation. Within Trump's own 'America First' political movement, concerns are growing over US involvement in another potential Middle East conflict. If the operation is limited to a one-off strike, Trump may contain the political fallout. However, any move toward sustained engagement risks alienating voters who supported his non-interventionist stance during the 2024 campaign. Trump frequently highlighted that he initiated no new wars during his first term and criticized prior administrations for foreign entanglements. Having taken decisive military action, the president now faces a situation where subsequent developments may fall outside his control.
