Imphal, April 7 (NationPress) In a bid to avert further violence, the government of Manipur has implemented a suspension of internet and mobile data services, including broadband, for a period of three days across five districts in the Imphal valley.

This decision was made shortly after a tragic bomb attack in the Bishnupur district, allegedly executed by suspected Kuki militants, which resulted in the deaths of two children, according to officials.

A notification from the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), N. Ashok Kumar, indicated that this measure was deemed necessary due to the ongoing law and order challenges in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

Authorities are concerned that anti-social elements may exploit social media to disseminate inflammatory content, including images, hate speech, and videos that could heighten tensions and further complicate the situation.

The notification stressed that "to counter the designs and activities of anti-national and anti-social groups, to uphold peace and communal harmony, and to safeguard public and private property, it has become vital to adopt necessary preventive actions" and highlighted the importance of curbing misinformation and false narratives under the current circumstances.

Officials pointed out that misleading information could be spread via platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter through devices like mobile phones, tablets, and computers.

There are also worries that bulk SMS services might be utilized to rally crowds, potentially inciting arson, vandalism, and other violent behaviors.

Facing these threats, the government has mandated a temporary halt to internet services, including broadband, VSATs, and VPN functionalities, across the impacted districts. This suspension commenced at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and is set to last for three days, unless specific exemptions are approved by the state government.

In the meantime, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh convened a high-level security meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Imphal to assess the law and order situation.

Present at the meeting were Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Chief Security Advisor to the Manipur government Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, along with various Army and para-military officials.

In a post on his X account, the Chief Minister asserted that restoring peace and normalcy is the government's foremost priority, assuring that essential measures and operational strategies have been put in place to safeguard public safety.

A separate meeting was also held by the Chief Minister with a group of MLAs to evaluate the situation and discuss methods for de-escalating tensions.

On Facebook, Khemchand Singh reiterated the administration's commitment to restoring stability and maintaining law and order throughout the state.

Previously, the Chief Minister strongly denounced the bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district.

The incident unfolded around 1 a.m. when a powerful explosive device, allegedly launched by suspected Kuki militants, struck a home. A five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister were killed instantly, while their mother sustained injuries. All three were reportedly asleep when the attack occurred, which also inflicted considerable damage to the residence.

The Chief Minister visited a private hospital in Imphal to assess the condition of the injured woman and instructed officials to ensure she receives the highest quality of medical care and support.

Labeling the incident as a "barbaric act" and an "assault on humanity," Khemchand Singh emphasized that it was a calculated effort to disrupt the fragile peace of the state.

"Those responsible will face justice and be dealt with according to the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated," he declared, reaffirming the government's determination to protect every citizen.

Reiterating his call for unity, the Chief Minister urged the community to stand together against forces aiming to disturb communal harmony. He assured that the culprits behind this heinous attack would be apprehended, and justice would be served promptly.