Indefinite curfew imposed, internet banned in Manipur amid escalating violence & protests
Imphal: Authorities in Manipur have imposed an indefinite curfew in several districts, including Imphal East and Imphal West, following a surge in violence and widespread protests.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in addition to the curfew, the BJP-ruled state government has enacted a ban on internet and mobile data services, including lease lines, VSATs, broadband, and VPN services, for five days across the state.
Imphal Free Press, Manipur-based English language daily, reported that thousands of protesters, including students, took to the streets of the state capital, defying the curfew and clashing with police. The demonstrations were sparked by recent violence and demand urgent action to address the state’s deteriorating security situation.
On Sunday night, Limkholoi Mate, a retired army man from the Christian-majority Kuki-Zo community, was killed in Imphal West district. Mate, a former havildar from Kangpokpi district, was beaten to death after inadvertently entering a predominantly Hindu Meitei area. His body was discovered in Sekmai, Imphal West, on Monday morning.
On Monday, thousands of students rallied in front of the Manipur secretariat and Raj Bhavan, protesting against recent drone and missile attacks. They demanded immediate action against those responsible and called for robust measures to protect the state’s territorial and administrative integrity. The protesters also sought the resignation of top officials and MLAs for failing to control the violence. The demonstrations escalated into violence, with police using force to disperse the crowds.
In Kangpokpi, separate protests erupted against the proposed removal of Assam Rifles battalions and the deteriorating security situation. Torch-light protests in Imphal on Sunday night prompted police to use tear gas.
In a related incident, five members of the Kuki Liberation Army were killed in a gunfight in Jiribam district on Saturday. This gunfight occurred shortly after a rocket attack in Moirang, Bishnupur district, which claimed the life of an elderly Meitei man.
