Internet Ban Extended in Manipur as 7 Arrested for Arson in Imphal

Guwahati: Amid simmering tension in strife-torn Manipur, the state government has extended the ban on mobile Internet and data services, including VSAT and VPN services in nine districts of the state for two more days.

Meanwhile, Manipur police on Sunday said that they have arrested seven more people for causing damage and engaging in arson at the residences of legislators in Imphal Valley on November 16.

With the arrests, the total number of people arrested for arson at residences of elected members reached 41, the state police said in a statement.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday said that suspects involved in looting the properties of ministers and MLAs during protests on November 16 were identified and legal actions initiated.

“In the name of democratic movement, some gangs have looted and burnt the residences of ministers and MLAs. Suspects have been identified through CCTV and appropriate legal actions have been initiated. I feel ashamed to publicly say that such things are happening in Manipur,” Mr Singh had told reporters.

Indicating that state authorities would review the decision of extending or withdrawing the ban on internet services on Monday, security sources said that the districts where mobile Internet services, first banned on November 16 in the wake of the Jiribam killings, will remain suspended “in public interests” are Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Jiribam and Pherzawl. However, the ban on broadband services was lifted on November 19 considering the adverse impact on education and health facilities besides those depending on online businesses and transactions.

The state administration continued to relax curfew hours from 5 am to 12 noon in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts to allow the public to buy essentials.

Asserting that state authorities were keeping a close watch on the situation, security sources pointed out that protests in the state continued against the abduction and subsequent killings of the six relief camp inmates from Borobekra in Jiribam district.