Imphal, Dec 9: After a 23-day blackout, mobile internet and data services were restored on Monday in nine districts of Manipur. The state government, however, urged citizens to use the internet responsibly, warning that any activity that threatens public order could trigger a fresh suspension.

The suspension, which began on November 16 following violent protests in Imphal and other districts, was lifted following a review of the security situation. The Home Commissioner, N. Ashok Kumar, issued an official order announcing the restoration.

“After reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its possible correlation with the general operation of internet services, the state government has decided to lift all forms of temporary suspension of internet and data services in the territorial jurisdiction of nine districts,” the order stated.

The nine districts where internet access has been restored are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzawl. These districts include both Meitei-majority valley areas and tribal-inhabited mountainous regions, reflecting the socio-ethnic complexity of the state.

Violence Sparks Suspension

The internet suspension was first ordered on November 16 after mobs attacked the homes and properties of ministers, MLAs, and political leaders in several valley districts, including Imphal East and Imphal West. The unrest was sparked by the discovery of the bodies of six missing persons — three children and three women — in Jiribam district on November 15 and 16.

In response, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi ordered a two-day suspension of mobile internet and data services, which was subsequently extended several times as the security situation remained tense.

Gradual Return to Normalcy

Despite the suspension of internet services, some normalcy had begun to return to the affected areas. Schools, universities, and other educational institutions in six districts reopened on November 29 after a two-week closure. Curfew restrictions were also eased in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Jiribam.

However, public gatherings and rallies remain under strict control. According to orders from the respective district magistrates, any gathering or rally requires prior approval from local authorities.

One Case of Disappearance

Officials reported that no major violent incidents occurred in any of the nine districts since November 18, with one exception — the unexplained disappearance of a Meitei man from Kangpokpi district on November 25. His whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have not released further details.

A Warning for the Future

While internet access has been restored, authorities are not ruling out future suspensions. “All internet users are requested to refrain from any activities which may cause a threat to the general law and situation in the state,” the official order cautioned.

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