The Manipur government has suspended internet services across the state for five days in response to rising tensions and ongoing student protests. According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the internet shutdown will remain in place until September 15.
Hundreds of students from various schools and colleges set up camps at the Khwairamband Women Market in Imphal on Monday. The students are protesting, demanding action against those behind the recent drone and missile attacks, and calling for the protection of the state's "territorial and administrative integrity".
They tried to march towards the Raj Bhavan along the BT Road on Tuesday but were stopped by security forces near the Congress Bhavan.
Tear gas shells were fired as student and women demonstrators clashed with security forces during the agitators' attempt to march towards the Raj Bhavan to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the Manipur government, officials said.
Manipur University students also staged a protest rally and burnt the effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Manipur government has clamped curfew in Imphal East and West districts and prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS in Thoubal in view of the student protests.
The conflict in Manipur has escalated with recent violence and protests. On September 6, an RPG attack in Moirang, Bishnupur district, killed a person performing a puja at the home of Manipur's first chief minister. Another explosion in Trounglaobi village caused significant damage, though no injuries were reported.
Over the past 16 months, frequent clashes, drone strikes, and attacks have destabilised the region. Protests erupted in Imphal on September 9, with students attempting to surround the Governor and Chief Minister's residences.
A total of eight people have died and over 12 injured in a fresh wave of violence in the state, which includes drone and missile attacks.
Over 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.
Source: India Today