India: Internet Suspended in Manipur Amid Student Protests

Internet and mobile data services were suspended for five days in parts of Manipur on September 10, following violent student protests against ongoing ethnic violence, Arab News reported yesterday.

The clashes erupted between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, with recent drone attacks allegedly carried out by Kuki militants leading to civilian casualties.

On September 9, hundreds of Meitei students protested, demanding changes in the state’s security leadership. As tensions escalated, protesters clashed with police, throwing stones and bottles. Authorities responded with tear gas and stun grenades, resulting in minor injuries to about 45 individuals.

In response to the unrest, an indefinite curfew was imposed in the Imphal Valley and surrounding districts, while government and private colleges were ordered to close. The conflict, rooted in disputes over economic benefits and job quotas, has already claimed at least 225 lives and displaced around 60,000 people since it began last year. The state is governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.