Manipur Internet Ban Extended Till Saturday, Day After 200 Houses Burnt

The Manipur government has extended the ban on internet services till June 10 to prevent further disturbance in the violence-hit state. The ban was imposed on May 3.

In an order, the state government on Monday evening stated that the internet services will be suspended for five more days i.e. till 3 pm of June 10.

The continuing ethnic violence between the Meiteis, who live in and around Imphal valley, and the Kuki tribe, who are settled in the hills, over the Meiteis' demand to be included under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category has claimed over 70 lives since clashed started on May 3.

Around 10,000 Army and Assam Rifles personnel have been deployed in the state to restore peace.

During his visit last week, Home Minister Amit Shah appealed both the Meiteis and the Kukis to maintain calm and peace, and work for bringing normalcy.

He also appealed the communities to remove the road blockage, especially on the to lift the blockades at the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-2, to ensure the supply of essential items. The highway, which crosses through the Senapati district in the hills and comes down to the capital Imphal in the valley, is the sole route for the transport of supplies to various parts of the state. Blockade of the highway is not new in Manipur, and essential supplies are hit, making everything a lot more expensive.