Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 8 (HBTV): District magistrates of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur have issued prohibitory orders on Sunday amid deteriorating law and order conditions across the state.

The orders restrict the assembly of four or more persons in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. In Bishnupur district, a total curfew has been imposed from 11:00 p.m. on June 7, 2025, until further notice. A previously issued curfew relaxation in Bishnupur has also been cancelled in light of the prevailing situation.

Citizens have been urged to cooperate with the orders. However, exemptions have been made for essential services including health department staff, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), MSPDCL, education department officials, municipal council staff, media personnel, ATM cash refill teams, child and women helpline staff, elderline workers, and telecom service providers.

Earlier, the Manipur government ordered a five-day suspension of internet and mobile data services—including VSAT and VPN—in the same five districts, effective from 11:45 p.m. on June 7.

In an official order, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar stated, ‘In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state of Manipur, especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for the transmission of serious images, hate speech, and video messages that could incite public passions and disturb law and order.’

The order further added, ‘There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public or private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory content and false rumours transmitted through social media, SMS, and messaging services.’

It noted the need to thwart attempts by anti-national and anti-social elements who might mobilise agitators through digital platforms. ‘To maintain peace and prevent violent activities such as arson or vandalism, it is necessary to suspend these telecom services in public interest.’

‘Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, and being satisfied that the situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to public order, the government orders the suspension of internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur for five days from 11:45 p.m. on June 7, 2025, with exceptions allowed for whitelisted cases,’ the order concluded.

(ANI)