Manipur, a northeastern state in India, has imposed an internet blackout and curfew following days of violent ethnic clashes between the Hindu Meitei majority and the Christian Kuki community. These tensions, ongoing for more than a year, escalated last week, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people.
The state’s home ministry ordered a five-day shutdown of internet and mobile data services to control the unrest and stop the spread of disinformation and hate speech on social media. Authorities expressed concern that social media could be used to incite further violence by sharing inflammatory content.
Despite the curfew, hundreds of Meitei residents in the state capital, Imphal, protested, demanding action against Kuki insurgent groups, whom they hold responsible for the recent violence. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters. Earlier, student-led protests also turned violent, with stones and bottles thrown at security forces.
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Manipur has seen ongoing violence for more than a year, displacing around 60,000 people. With tensions remaining high, many residents are still unable to return to their homes. Authorities are working to restore peace amidst the escalating conflict.
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