IMPHAL — Manipur government on Wednesday extended the suspension of mobile internet services for three more days in seven districts and relaxed curfew in five districts for five hours on Thursday, November 21.
“The state government, after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation, decided to continue suspension of mobile Internet and mobile data services including VSATs and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur of Manipur for another 3 (three) days,” stated an order issued by Manipur Home department.
Internet services were suspended on November 16, initially for two days. Since then, Manipur government has been extending it. The move was initiated after the state witnessed the return of widespread violence and protest.
In another order, the Manipur government announced that curfew will be relaxed again in all areas of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal districts from 5 am to 10 am on Thursday.
The curfew was relaxed for the same period on Wednesday wherein residents of the five districts came out to buy essentials.
According to the order, the move has been necessitated to facilitate public to purchase of essential items “due to the improvement of law and orders in the districts.”
“This relaxation shall not include any gathering/sit-in-protest/rally etc., without obtaining approval through competent authority.
“However, movement of persons belonging to essential services such as health, electricity, CAF & PD, PHED, telecom and banking/financial institutions including ATM cash filling, petrol pumps, municipality, press & electronic media, functioning of court and to and fro movement of flight passengers to airport and contractor/worker with valid airport entry permit (AEP) card shall be exempted from further imposition of curfew after the expiry of the said period of relaxation,” it added.
Manipur government has imposed curfew in the valley districts since November 16 due to widespread protests over the recovery of bodies of six civilians (three women and three children) after ten armed militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jiribam district on November 11.