Manipur Government Restores Internet Services Amid Improved Law and Order
Synopsis
The Manipur government has lifted the internet ban across five districts following an improvement in law and order, allowing essential services to resume. This decision comes after tragic events triggered civil protests demanding justice.
Key Takeaways
Internet Ban Lifted: The Manipur government has restored mobile internet services across five districts.
Public Impact: The ban had significant effects on essential services and public life.
Investigation Underway: The National Investigation Agency is handling the probe into the bomb attack.
Community Response: Protests have erupted demanding justice for the victims.
Enhanced Security: Increased security measures are being implemented throughout the region.
Imphal, April 18 (NationPress) - Following a notable improvement in the law and order conditions, the government of Manipur has officially lifted the suspension of mobile internet and data services, including broadband, across five districts in the Imphal Valley, as announced by officials.
The initial suspension of mobile internet services was enacted for three days, shortly after a tragic bomb explosion in Bishnupur district on April 7. This attack, attributed to suspected Kuki militants, resulted in the deaths of two children and left their mother injured.
Since the incident, the restrictions have been prolonged in various phases, usually in two-day increments, affecting the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. This action was intended to prevent further escalation of violence.
Mayengbam Veto Singh, Joint Secretary of the Manipur Home Department, stated in a notification issued on Saturday that the state government assessed the current situation, including the hardships faced by the public due to the internet ban, which hindered the operations of crucial offices and institutions.
Institutions impacted by the ban included High Courts, District Courts, remote workers, chartered accountancy firms, legal practitioners, healthcare facilities, refueling stations, electricity and mobile recharge services, liquefied petroleum gas booking services, educational institutions, taxation offices, and various other online citizen services.
“The Governor of Manipur has ordered the immediate revocation of any temporary suspension of mobile internet and data services, including VPN services, within the five districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, in the interest of the public,” Singh noted in the notification.
In the wake of the April 7 bombing in Bishnupur district, thousands, including numerous women and representatives from various civil society organizations, have been organizing intermittent protest rallies across the Imphal Valley. Protesters have vehemently denounced the attack and are calling for strict penalties against those responsible.
The Manipur government has already transferred the investigation of this tragic incident to the National Investigation Agency.
According to a statement from Manipur Police, security forces are actively conducting search operations and area control exercises in vulnerable and fringe areas throughout the districts.
Additionally, the movement of 174 vehicles carrying essential supplies along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway-37 has been guaranteed.
Stringent security protocols have been enacted in all at-risk locations, with security convoys deployed on sensitive routes to ensure the safe passage of vehicles.
A total of 114 checkpoints have been established across various districts in Manipur, both in the hills and the valley, with 38 individuals detained for breaching curfew regulations.
Point of View
The government's decision to restore internet services highlights the importance of connectivity in maintaining public order and facilitating essential services. The tragic events that preceded this decision reflect ongoing tensions that require careful management.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the internet banned in Manipur?
The internet was banned to prevent escalation of violence following a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district.
How many districts in Manipur were affected by the internet suspension?
Five districts in the Imphal Valley were affected by the internet suspension.
What impact did the internet ban have on local services?
The internet ban disrupted the operations of critical services, including healthcare, legal, and educational institutions.
Who is responsible for the investigation into the bomb attack?
The investigation into the bomb attack has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety in Manipur?
Security forces are conducting search operations, and multiple checkpoints have been set up across the districts to ensure safety.
