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News Topical, Digital Desk : The situation in Manipur is getting tense once again. In such a situation, the administration has shut down internet services in five districts as a precautionary measure. At the same time, a complete curfew has been imposed in Bishnupur. Gathering of four or more persons has been banned in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Kakching districts. The administration on Sunday ordered the shutdown of internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN for five days in five districts of the valley. This order will be effective from 11:45 pm on Saturday in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching.
Some reports claimed that Meitei leaders have been arrested. These reports have not been confirmed yet, but this has again made the situation in Manipur tense. On Saturday, there were massive protests in parts of Imphal. Reports claimed that five volunteers of the Meitei organisation Arambai Tengole were arrested.
Fire on the streets
Demanding Tengole's release, protesters set tyres and old furniture on fire in the middle of the road at Kwakeithel and Uripok. Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar said, "In view of the prevailing law and order situation particularly in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, it is apprehended that some anti-social elements may extensively use the social media for broadcasting images, hate speech and hate video messages to incite public sentiments which may have serious impact on the law and order situation in the state."
Police dispersed the crowd by firing bullets
It further said, "This order is being passed unilaterally in view of the emergency situation. Legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the order." After protests broke out in districts of Manipur, an official said, "Additional security forces have been deployed in these areas to bring the situation under control." However, there has been no official confirmation on the name of the arrested leader or the charges against him. Two journalists and a civilian were also injured in the violence that broke out after a violent mob attacked the Kwakeithel police outpost in west Imphal, following which security forces had to fire several rounds to disperse the crowd.
News of arrest by NIA
Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba was also seen at the spot, where he was trying to talk to senior security personnel regarding the situation. In a purported video circulating on social media, Leishemba can be heard saying, "We tried a lot to bring peace. If you do such things, how will peace come? Arrest me along with the MLA." The Meitei leaders were arrested by a team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at around 2:30 pm. However, these reports have not been confirmed yet.
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