The Manipur government on Tuesday, April 14, extended the suspension of mobile internet, mobile data and broadband services for two more days across five Imphal valley districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur — citing the prevailing law-and-order situation, officials said. The order follows an earlier three-day shutdown imposed from April 7 on the same districts to prevent further escalation of violence.
The April 7 restrictions were imposed hours after a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district that killed two children and injured their mother. Officials said the blast was allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants. Commissioner‑cum‑Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar issued the notification on Tuesday after reviewing conditions across the five districts.
The notification said the state government found it necessary to continue suspending mobile internet, mobile data and VPN services because “the technical feasibility for effective control and regulatory mechanisms over mobile data remains inadequate.” Authorities also cited the risk of misinformation and the rapid spread of false rumours on social media as a key concern.
“Spread of disinformation and false rumours, and the sending of bulk SMS messages, can facilitate the mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators. This may lead to loss of life and damage to public and private property through arson, vandalism, and other violent activities, for which the control mechanism is still poor,” Kumar said in the notification.
Separately, the district magistrates of the five Imphal valley districts have relaxed the curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow residents to carry out essential and urgent activities. The orders bar anyone from carrying arms during the relaxation period — including sticks, stones, unlicensed firearms or any object that could be used as an offensive weapon — and permit shops and retail outlets to open during those hours.
In the wake of the Bishnupur blast, thousands of people, including large numbers of women, have been holding daily protest rallies across Imphal valley, condemning the attack and demanding strict punishment for those responsible. The Manipur government has handed the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has held a series of security review meetings with senior officials from the Army, paramilitary forces, central security agencies and the state police; on Monday, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, met the Chief Minister for detailed discussions on the situation.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/04/14/manipur-govt-extends-internet-ban-till-april-16-amid-ongoing-law-and-order-concerns/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert,REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2026-04-14 19:51:00
