In response to escalating protests from students against a new wave of ethnic violence, Indian authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew and shut down the internet in parts of the northeastern state of Manipur. The state has been in turmoil for over a year due to ongoing ethnic clashes, which have intensified recently, leading to a significant rise in violence and unrest.
Over the past ten days, at least nine people have been killed and several injured as armed groups have conducted drone attacks and launched rockets from makeshift devices. Manipur, home to 3.7 million people and located on the border with Myanmar, has faced severe ethnic strife since May of last year, resulting in approximately 250 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands. The conflict began when Christian Kukis protested against a special status demanded by the predominantly Hindu Meiteis, which would allow them to buy land in areas inhabited by Kukis and other tribal groups.
In response to the unrest, an indefinite curfew has been implemented in three districts of Manipur, and the state government has suspended internet and mobile data services until Sunday to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech. On Tuesday, police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of students who marched toward the Manipur governor’s residence, demanding a restoration of peace and changes in the state’s security leadership. Student leaders have given the governor 24 hours to address their demands, expressing frustration with the authorities’ inability to resolve the ongoing conflict. Senior police officer I. K. Muivah urged students to engage in peaceful protests while investigations into the recent attacks continue.
