Manipur cuts internet in 5 districts: Mobile services shut after deadly 'rocket attack'

Imphal: The Manipur government on Tuesday suspended internet and mobile data services for three days in five districts after tensions over the death of two children and their mother injured in a likely rocket attack. After the incident protests erupted in several parts of the Northeastern state.

What is the reason of the protest?

After the death of two minor kids, one was an infant and the other was a five-year-old, in a suspected rocket attack on a house in Bishnupur district on Tuesday, protests and violence erupted in several parts of Manipur.

What did the government say?

According to the Home Department order issued on Tuesday, the internet shutdown applies to Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. 

A curfew was also put in Bishnupur, where the incident took place just after attack.

According to the order, "temporary suspension/curbing of internet services... is necessitated in public interest,"

The restrictions would take effect from 2 pm on April 7.

What did Chief Minister say?

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the incident on two children as a "barbaric act" and "an outright assault on humanity".

"Visited Raj Medicity this morning to assess the condition of the injured mother who tragically lost her two children in last night’s heinous attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, Moirang. Directed officials to ensure the highest level of medical care and full support. This barbaric act is an assault on humanity and a deliberate attempt to disrupt Manipur’s hard-earned peace. I condemn it in the strongest terms," he said.