Manipur govt cuts internet to curb rumours amid violence

Imphal: Manipur govt on Tuesday suspended internet and data services across Ukhrul district for five days following violent clashes between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in the Litan area.

Officials said the suspension was a preventive measure to curb the spread of rumours and inflammatory content that could worsen tensions. The order covers broadband, VPN, and VSAT services under Rule 3 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024.


The clashes, triggered by the alleged assault of a Tangkhul Naga man by a group of Kuki men on Saturday night, have continued for three days. Both sides resorted to arson and firing, with over 20 houses and govt quarters set ablaze. Prohibitory orders were imposed in Litan since Sunday evening.

In what appears to be an expansion of hostilities, the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) alleged that about 30 Vaiphei youths attacked K Lungwiram Naga village in Kangpokpi district early Tuesday, setting fire to a house. FNCC warned that failure to arrest the perpetrators would compel it to initiate “proportionate retaliatory measures” and demanded deployment of neutral security forces and humanitarian relief in affected Naga areas.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) expressed grave concern, calling the violence part of a “long-engineered crisis” rather than isolated incidents. It cautioned that unchecked escalation could trigger wider retaliation and communal polarisation across the hill districts.

COCOMI urged authorities to take transparent and impartial measures to stop the violence, protect civilians, and hold accountable those responsible. The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) also appealed to both communities to shun violence and work towards harmony and collective development.