Internet shutdown extended in Ukhrul for 2 more days

IMPHAL — The ban on internet services in the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur’s Ukhrul district—which came into effect at 1.20 pm on October 2 after a confrontation between two villages, Hunphun and Hungpung, turned violent over a land dispute—has been extended for another two days with effect from 1.2 0pm of October 5, according to officials.

In an order issued on Saturday, Manipur Home department stated: “The state government has reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in Ukhrul district of Manipur and forms opinion that it has become necessary to take adequate measures to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and also to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours through various social media platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc., on various electronic equipments like tablet, computer, mobile phone etc., and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities”.

Accordingly, it ordered the temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services “including VSATs, broadband (ILL & FTTH) and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of Ukhrul district of Manipur for another two days with effect from 1.20 pm of 05-10-2024, subject to confirmation within the next 24 hours except for those lease lines and FTTH connections to DC and SP Offices or any case whereby the state government grants exemption.”

Also read: Ukhrul violence: Death toll mounts to 4

80% of weapons recovered

Meanwhile, 80% of the weapons that were snatched from the police by a mob during the course of violent incident in Ukhrul town have been recovered.

Confirming this during a press conference, Manipur’s Inspector General of Police (Ops) IK Muivah said that the remaining weapons will also be recovered in a few days.

Muivah, who has been camping in the hill town, also informed that the direct conflict has been ceased with the deployment of adequate security forces consisting of civil police, Manipur Rifles, Assam Rifles, CRPF and also with the cooperation from leaders of the two villages.

He also appealed for co-operation, consultation and dialogue to help restore peace in Ukhrul.

Deputy commissioner of Ukhrul, DIG Assam Rifles, senior AR officers, SPs of Ukhrul and Kamjong were also present during the day’s media briefing.

On October 2, a confrontation between Hunphun and Hungpung villagers over a longstanding land dispute turned violent in Ukhrul town resulting in the loss of four lives, including one Manipur Rifles personnel, and left as many as 20 injured.

During the course of the violent incident, around 20 weapons including eight 9 mm pistols, six INSAS rifles, three AK-47 rifles, two 9mm carbines and one SLR were snatched from Ukhrul police station by a mob, according to police sources.

Since then, the sub-divisional magistrate of Ukhrul district had issued an order prohibiting the movement of any person outside their respective residences and any other act or activity that could disturb the prevailing law and order in the scheduled area (neutral zone area marked between Thingrasa and Ngaphar) from October 2 until further order.