The internet shutdown in seven districts of Manipur, which was initially set to last until November 18, has been extended for an additional two days, until November 20, in response to escalating ethnic violence. This measure comes as the state grapples with worsening unrest, including widespread protests and the imposition of a curfew in multiple districts.
In line with the heightened security situation, the Manipur government has announced the closure of all government-run educational institutions in Imphal West and Imphal East, including schools, colleges, and universities, until November 19. This decision, made by the Higher and Technical Education Department in consultation with the Home Department, is aimed at ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and staff amidst the volatile environment.
The closures follow the discovery of six bodies in Jiribam district, believed to be those of missing persons. This discovery has triggered further protests and worsened the already fragile law-and-order situation in the state. To contain the spread of misinformation and prevent the situation from deteriorating further, authorities have extended the internet blackout, which has affected several curfew-hit areas.
As violence continues to spread, the central government has deployed 50 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), adding over 5,000 personnel to the region’s security operations. Additionally, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over three major cases from the Manipur Police, including the murder of a woman by militants, an attack on a CRPF post, and a series of violent incidents in the Borobekra area.
The unrest has significantly disrupted daily life in Imphal and surrounding areas, particularly as the closure of educational institutions reflects the growing instability. The local authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement, but the deep-rooted ethnic tensions driving the violence indicate that achieving lasting peace will require extensive efforts toward reconciliation and rebuilding trust among communities.
