Mobile internet restored after 143 days in Manipur amid ongoing unrest

Mobile internet services in Manipur were restored after a 143-day blackout, making it the second-longest internet shutdown in India, following the 552-day blackout in Jammu and Kashmir. This development coincided with the relaxation of a total curfew for a day in the Imphal East and West districts, where recent clashes and law-and-order issues had disrupted peace amid five months of ethnic unrest. The Imphal valley will remain under a night curfew, with the government evaluating the possibility of extending the relaxation of restrictions. The blackout had been imposed on May 3 to curb the spread of fake news, propaganda, and hate speech. Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, mentioned that the situation had improved over the past two months, resulting in a decrease in security incidents due to the presence of security forces in vulnerable areas. The restoration of mobile internet services was met with enthusiasm, especially among students who are now considering returning to the state. Similar to the approach in Jammu and Kashmir, internet services in Manipur were gradually reinstated. Broadband services resumed conditionally on July 24, while mobile data was reinstated for government officials on August 30. The decision to restore mobile internet services was influenced by a rise in extortion, kidnappings, and crimes committed by individuals impersonating police officers. The Assam Rifles informed Manipur police about insurgent groups and miscreants in the Imphal valley obtaining Tata 407 trucks from the market and modifying them to resemble paramilitary vehicles, complete with fake insignias. There were also reports of insurgents posing as security personnel during attacks on villages. Recently, an NIA court in Imphal East granted bail to five men arrested on September 16 for impersonating police officers and carrying firearms. Chief Minister Biren Singh highlighted the government’s efforts to establish the rule of law in various regions of Manipur, with a focus on combating drug smuggling, poppy cultivation, and the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of addressing the welfare of those displaced by the conflict. Since May 3, the official death toll has reached 176, with the latest reported killing on September 17 being an Army sepoy named Serto Thangthang Kom, who was found shot in the head in Imphal East district after being abducted from his home in Imphal West. Currently, 96 bodies, including nine unidentified ones, remain unclaimed in three Manipur hospitals. There are 1,108 reported injuries, and 32 individuals are missing. According to the police, 5,172 cases of arson have been reported, resulting in the destruction of 4,786 houses. Additionally, vandals have damaged 254 churches and 132 temples. Of the 4,000 weapons stolen from state forces’ armouries, 1,359 have been recovered, along with 15,000 rounds of ammunition.