Prohibitory Orders In Five Manipur Districts Amid Protests Over Reports That Meitei Outfit's Apprehended

Imphal: The Manipur government has imposed prohibitory orders in five districts, suspending internet and mobile data services, following intense protests in the state capital late on Saturday night over reports claiming that a leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol was apprehended.

A total curfew was imposed in the Bishnupur district. The protesters torched tyres and old furniture in the middle of the road in Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the release of the leader. "Additional security forces have been deployed in these areas to bring the situation under control," an official said.

The situation remained tense on Sunday morning. Security has been enhanced along the roads leading to the Raj Bhavan with additional deployment of personnel from the central forces.

In view of the protest in the restive northeastern state, an order issued by the district magistrate of Imphal West stated that the "superintendent of police in Imphal West... has reported serious breach to peace, disturbance to public tranquillity, riot or affray in the area, and grave danger to human lives and properties due to unlawful activities of anti-social elements."

It informed people about the ban on the assembly of five or more people and the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms, or sharp weapons under sub-section 2 of Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). In Imphal East district, people have been prohibited from stepping outside their residences from 10 pm on June 10 until further orders under sub-section 1 of section 163 of the BNSS.

Protesters clashed with security forces at different places in the state capital on Saturday night. The irate mob also torched a bus at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district. In Kwakeithel, several gunshots were heard, but it could not be ascertained who fired the shots.

Protesters also gheraoed the Imphal airport gate at Tulihal after unverified reports spread that the arrested leader would be flown outside of the state. They took to the streets along the airport road and slept in the middle of the road to prevent any possible attempt to take the arrested leader outside of the state.

Elsewhere, members of Arambai Tenggol poured petrol over themselves in symbolic protests against the arrest. The government has also ordered the suspension of internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, in the territorial jurisdiction of five valley districts for five days with effect from 11.45 pm on Saturday, an official statement said.

The districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching. “The order is being passed ex-parte given the emergent situation. Any person found guilty of violating the order will be liable to face legal action,” it added.