Imphal: Authorities in Manipur have suspended internet services in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—for three days starting Tuesday afternoon, citing concerns over law and order following a brutal militant attack.
The shutdown, effective from 2:00 PM on April 7, aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and provocative content across platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Officials warned that anti-social elements could misuse these platforms to circulate hate speech and incite unrest.
The decision follows a shocking incident in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, where suspected militants attacked a residence around 1:00 AM. Two minor siblings—a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister—were killed while asleep, and their mother sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.
The attack triggered widespread outrage, with locals taking to the streets in protest. Demonstrators set fire to at least three trucks and blocked key stretches of the Imphal-Tidim Road, escalating tensions in the region.
Security concerns deepened after an unexploded rocket launcher was recovered near the attack site. Bomb disposal teams were immediately deployed to safely neutralize the threat.
Local MLA Thongam Shanti Singh condemned the incident, calling it a “heinous act of violence” and describing it as terrorism. He expressed condolences to the bereaved family and stressed that such acts have no place in society.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also voiced grief, calling the attack a horrific act against innocent civilians, especially children. He urged stronger vigilance and timely intervention to prevent such tragedies and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities have intensified security measures across the affected districts as efforts continue to restore normalcy and maintain peace.
