Manipur Government Suspends Mobile Internet Following Tragic Rocket Attack

Mobile Internet Services Halted in Five Districts

In response to a tragic rocket attack that resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to their mother, the Manipur government has decided to suspend mobile internet services for three days across five districts. This incident has reignited protests and violence in the already troubled state. According to an order issued by the Home Department on April 7, internet services will be halted in the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. A curfew has also been imposed in Bishnupur, where the attack occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday.

Temporary Suspension of Internet Services

Given the current law and order situation, the Manipur government has ordered an immediate three-day temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. The order states that this temporary suspension is necessary for public interest and specifies that the restrictions will take effect from 2 PM on April 7.

Violence Erupts After Attack

The center of unrest between the Meitei and Kuki communities, the village of Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Moirang, witnessed a horrific incident where suspected militants threw explosives at a home, killing a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl while they slept, and injuring their mother. Following this tragedy, protests erupted, with locals setting fire to two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol station, burning tires outside a police station, and damaging a temporary police outpost. Security forces have been deployed to restore order.