Imphal: The Manipur government has suspended internet services across the entire state for five days following violent student protests and renewed clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The move, effective from 3 PM on September 10 until 3 PM on September 15, aims to curb the spread of inflammatory content, such as hate speech and videos, through social media platforms.

According to an official statement from the state home department, the suspension includes mobile data services, lease lines, VSATs, broadband, and VPN services. The decision was taken in response to the escalating unrest, which began when students and women demonstrators demanded the removal of the Director General of Police (DGP) and the state's security advisor.

The protests turned violent as the agitators attempted to march towards Raj Bhawan in Imphal, resulting in clashes with security forces. The Manipur government has also imposed curfews in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, along with prohibitory orders in Thoubal district, in an effort to contain the violence.

The unrest has been further aggravated by recent sophisticated drone and rocket attacks on various settlements in the violence-stricken state. These attacks have claimed the lives of at least eight people and left more than 12 injured, further intensifying the tensions in Manipur.

The state, already reeling from ethnic violence in recent months, has seen fresh waves of protests, with demonstrators accusing the administration of failing to restore peace. The government’s decision to suspend internet services is seen as a preventive measure to stop the spread of misinformation and hate content that could exacerbate the situation.

The protests and violent confrontations highlight the ongoing instability in Manipur, as authorities struggle to regain control and restore order in the state.