Govindas Konthoujam met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday to review the situation in Manipur amid fresh violence in the conflict-hit region.
The meeting coincided with the state government extending the suspension of mobile internet and data services—including VPN access—in five districts for another two days.
Restrictions were first imposed after two people were killed and 29 injured on Tuesday, when security forces allegedly opened fire on a mob that stormed a paramilitary camp in Bishnupur. The protesters were reacting to the deaths of a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister in an explosion in Tronglaobi.
Protests have since spread across five districts, with three more civilian deaths reported. Curfew was partially relaxed on Sunday—from 5 am to 3 pm—in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal.
Officials said Konthoujam and Shah discussed steps to restore normalcy. In a social media post, Konthoujam described the talks as “constructive,” focusing on strengthening peace, ensuring stability and safeguarding public interests.
The state home minister met Shah after visiting families of the blast victims and inspecting prefabricated facilities being prepared for the rapid deployment of central forces.
Later, the state home department confirmed that restrictions would continue in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur after a review of the law and order situation.
Authorities expressed concern that misinformation and rumours on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and X could trigger mobilisation of mobs, leading to violence, arson and damage to property. Monitoring mobile data usage effectively remains a challenge, officials said, necessitating continued restrictions.
Internet services were initially suspended for three days on Tuesday due to a “volatile law and order situation.” While broadband services were partially restored on Wednesday under conditions, mobile internet curbs have been repeatedly extended.
The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced around 60,000 people since May 2023. The conflict began between the Meitei and Kuki communities and has since widened. Meiteis, largely Hindu, are concentrated in the Imphal valley, while Kukis, predominantly Christian, reside in the hill districts.
Both communities have largely retreated to their respective strongholds since the violence began. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has said there are no formal buffer zones, though certain areas are considered highly sensitive.
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