Renewed fighting triggers curfew, internet shutdown in northeastern India

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - Authorities in northeastern India suspended internet services Tuesday in one state amid agitation by students.

“Temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs (very small aperture terminal), broadbands and VPN (virtual private network) services (were ordered) in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for five days,” according to a notice by the state government.​​​​​​​

It came after 40 students were injured in clashes with security forces when they attempted to march to press for demands to remove the police chief and security advisor to the state government, the Press Trust of India reported.

Five people, including a civilian, were killed in new violence in Manipur last week. On Tuesday, authorities also imposed a curfew in three districts.

The new violence follows ethnic fighting in Manipur last year, which resulted in the killing of at least 180 people and affected thousands of others.

Fighting has taken place between members of the majority Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities in the state.