Imphal, June 8 (UNI) Internet services have been suspended in Manipur for five days following a major stir protesting the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol leader along with four others on Saturday night.

Internet service has been suspended in five districts, including the state capital, and a curfew has been imposed indefinitely as violence has erupted since Saturday night.

Official sources said Internet service has been suspended in Imphal West. Imphal East, Thoubal. Kakching and Bishnupur districts to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property as given the prevailing law and order situation, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in Manipur.

A group of MLAs met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, on Sunday to discuss the development. During the discussion, the MLAs apprised the Governor of the current law-and-order situation in the state and requested his intervention to help find an amicable solution. The governor informed the delegation that all necessary steps are being taken to address the concerns and to restore normalcy.

The governor also held a security review meeting with the senior administrative and security officials. During the meeting, a comprehensive discussion and review of various matters relating to the current law-and-order situation in the state were deliberated.

Among those present were the Security Advisor, Director General of Police (DGP), Commissioner (Home), Secretary to the Governor, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), IGAR (S), Inspector General, CRPF, and other senior officials.

Arambai Tenggol, a socio-cultural organisation, has announced a 10-day bandh in Manipur from Sunday to protest against the arrest of their leader, Kanan, and four others by the CBI.

The arrest witnessed violent protests, and so far, about five vehicles, including security personnel vehicles, have been burnt by the protestors. So far, about ten people have been injured, including a journalist, in clashes between security personnel and protestors.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by CBI said, “The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol (AT) at Imphal Airport today i.e. on 08.06.2025. He was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. The information related to his arrest has been given to his family members.

It may be recalled that CBI is investigating Manipur violence cases as per the direction of the Supreme Court of India. The trial of the Manipur violence cases has been shifted from Manipur to Guwahati in view of the law and order situation in Manipur.

The said arrested member of Arambai Tenggol (AT) has been brought from Imphal to Guwahati, and he will be produced before the competent court for police remand. Investigation is continuing. Protestors burnt tyres, piled up rocks, and wood on the roads. The Raj Bhawan and other roads leading to the airport looked like a fortress as the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, Manipur Police, IRB, and other security forces positioned themselves.



Manipur Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar said, the internet service has been suspended to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property as given the prevailing law and order situation, especially in Imphal West. Imphal East, Thoubal. Kakching and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in Manipur.

He said the order for the suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN services, for five days was issued with effect from 11:45 P.M. of June 7,2025 in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order.

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