IMPHAL: Authorities in the Indian state of Manipur imposed a curfew and suspended internet and mobile data services after fresh violence and clashes erupted between protesters and security forces, “Hindustan Times” reported on Sunday.
Ethnic tensions and sporadic violence have plagued Manipur, a state in India’s northeast, for over two years. Clashes have primarily erupted between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the largely Christian Kuki population, claiming more than 250 lives so far.
The latest unrest erupted on Sunday after security forces reportedly arrested five members of Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei group, including one of its commanders. The arrests sparked widespread protests across the Imphal Valley.
Police reported that an angry mob stormed the Kwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West, demanding the immediate release of the detained individuals. Security forces fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. The clashes left at least three people injured, including two journalists.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities enforced prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more people in several valley districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching. Manipur Police confirmed the curfew and internet shutdown through official statements on the social media platform X, where they shared copies of the orders.
Arambai Tenggol, accused of instigating violence against the Kuki community in the past, reportedly announced a 10-day shutdown in the valley districts.
Authorities shut down internet services for months in Manipur during the initial outbreak of violence in 2023, which displaced around 60,000 people from their homes, according to government figures.
Ongoing tensions still prevent thousands of the state’s residents from returning home. The Meitei and Kuki communities have long faced tensions over competition for land and public jobs.
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