To tackle the worsening law and order situation after tribal groups took out rallies in several districts of Manipur, the state government has suspended mobile internet for five days. Along with a ban on large gatherings, a night curfew too has been imposed in several districts of the state. The Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to control the situation, ANI quoted a defence spokesperson.

The northeastern state of Manipur in India has been experiencing violent unrest since late April 2023. The state has been placed under curfew, and the Indian army has been deployed to control the situation. As part of the security measures, the government has also suspended internet services in the state.

The violence began after the state government introduced a new law, the Manipur Protection Bill, which aims to protect the indigenous population of the state from outsiders. The bill aims to restrict the entry of non-Manipuris into the state, as well as the acquisition of land and other properties by non-Manipuris.

The bill has been met with widespread protests by non-Manipuris, who feel that it discriminates against them. Non-Manipuri residents of the state, particularly those from the neighboring state of Assam, have accused the Manipuri government of trying to push them out.

The protests soon turned violent, with clashes reported between protesters and the police. The situation worsened when protesters started attacking non-Manipuris and setting their houses and shops on fire.

The state government has blamed the violence on outside elements, particularly those from Assam. The government has claimed that these elements have been instigating the protests and inciting violence against non-Manipuris.

The Indian army has been deployed to the state to restore peace and maintain law and order. The army has been conducting flag marches and patrolling the streets to prevent any further violence. The government has also imposed a curfew in the state to prevent the movement of people and gatherings that could lead to further unrest.

The suspension of internet services in the state is a common practice in India during times of unrest. The government often suspends internet services to prevent the spread of misinformation and incitement of violence through social media and other online platforms.

The situation in Manipur remains tense, and the government has appealed to all parties to maintain peace and avoid any actions that could lead to further violence. The state government has also called for talks with all stakeholders to resolve the issue and bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Curfew in 8 districts of Manipur

In view of the situation, a curfew has been imposed in non-tribal-dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam, and Bishnupur districts, and tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts.

Manipur suspends mobile internet services

Mobile internet services were suspended across the state for five days with immediate effect but broadband services were operational.

The Manipur government issued a statement stating, "Internet services suspended in Manipur for five days amid incidents of fighting among youths, and volunteers of different communities as a rally was organised by All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) Manipur in protest against the demand for inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST category."

Two issues in the state have led to the situation

As far as the current situation is concerned, two issues in the state have led to the situation, sources told ANI.

1)CM Biren Singh's move to protect the forest faces resistance from illegal Immigrants and drug cartels. 

2)The Manipur High Court's recent direction to the State Government to consider the inclusion of Meitei in ST has led to an outburst from the tribal community who are ST.

Earlier today Singh blamed 'prevailing misunderstandings between two sections of society' for the violence and said all grievances will be addressed after due consultations. He confirmed reports of vandalism and arson from the capital Imphal and other areas, including Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi, with an unspecified number of deaths, and said that property had been damaged.

Why curfew was imposed and net services were suspended in Manipur?

Curfew was imposed in eight districts of Manipur and mobile internet services were suspended in the entire northeastern state over violence during a tribal agitation on Wednesday. 

Violence broke out during the 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Thousands of tribals -- who make up about 40 percent of the state's population -- joined the processions, waved placards, and raised slogans opposing ST status for the Meitei.

Why is Manipur burning?

The Meiteis, who make up 53 percent of the state's population, inhabit the Valley, which accounts for about a tenth of the former princely state's land area. They claim they are facing problems in view of "large-scale illegal immigration by Myanmarese and Bangladeshis".

The hill districts which account for much of the state's land mass is inhabited mostly by tribals -- including the Nagas and Kukis – and are protected from encroachment by various laws.

Manipur violence: What is STDCM demanding?

The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM), which is spearheading the movement for the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST category said the demand is being made not merely for reservation in jobs, educational institutions, and tax relief but "more to protect our ancestral land, culture and identity", which they claimed was being "threatened by illegal migration from Myanmar, Bangladesh and by people from outside the state".

‘Unhappy with violence in Manipur… why can’t we live peacefully': Boxer Mary Kom

Mary Kom, the Olympic medal-winning boxer, and Rajya Sabha MP, appealed for calm Thursday amid widespread violence in her home state of Manipur amid protests against the inclusion of the majority Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. Speaking to the news agency ANI, she said: "The situation in Manipur makes me unhappy... earlier I could not even imagine this much violence. Since last night it has become more frightening."

Mary Kom appealed to the state and center to work together, saying, "I ask the state and central governments to take steps and (to) maintain peace and security... this is my request." The boxer also urged all communities to live peacefully, saying, "I respect all people. Why can't all of us live in peace... this is my question. If we live in peace it will be better for all of us. It is also unfortunate some people have lost family members in this violence."

"As soon as possible this should end... I pray to God everything settles down."

The boxer also tweeted her appeal, sharing photos of the violence.

Army and paramilitary forces have been deployed to restore law-and-order and ensure the safety of all residents.

Lt Col Mahender Rawat, a Guwahati-based Public Relations Officer (Defence), said around 4,000 people have been evacuated so far from violence-hit areas.

Manipur held an Assembly election in February and March of last year that led to chief minister Biren Singh's Bharatiya Janata Party government retaining power. The election was preceded and followed by violence that killed many.