Manipur lifts mobile internet ban in peaceful districts

In a recent development, officials have confirmed the lifting of the mobile internet ban in four hill district headquarters of Manipur that remain unaffected by ongoing ethnic violence. These district headquarters include Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel, and Tamenglong, all of which have a significant Naga-majority population.

The decision to restore mobile internet services on a trial basis follows a directive from the Manipur High Court, which instructed the state government to activate mobile towers in these areas untouched by the ethnic clashes. The mobile internet services in these district headquarters were reinstated on Tuesday, although officials have noted that connectivity remains suboptimal and is currently being tested on a trial basis.

While addressing the resumption of mobile internet services, an official from the Ukhrul district administration explained that a limited number of mobile towers have been made operational only in the district headquarters, with a focus on evaluating the service's performance. This move comes after an extended period of mobile internet bans, with restrictions imposed since May 3, particularly following the outbreak of ethnic conflicts. These clashes, rooted in a range of grievances between various ethnic groups, have led to over 180 casualties.

The primary trigger for the crisis has been the contentious issue of granting Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status, which was subsequently revoked, and attempts to displace tribals residing in protected forest areas. Meiteis constitute approximately 53% of Manipur's population and primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% of the population and are mainly concentrated in the hill districts.