Internet blocked in Indian state of Manipur to quell violence

Published September 3, 2015
Indian protesters gather during violence in the Churachandpur district of the state of Manipur on September 1, 2015. — AFP
Indian protesters gather during violence in the Churachandpur district of the state of Manipur on September 1, 2015. — AFP

GAUHATI: Naga protesters have blocked a key highway and authorities shut down wireless Internet services to quell heightening tension in a northeast Indian state where seven people have died in violence this week.

Officials say the protesters cut trees and used boulders to stop movement of trucks, buses and cars Thursday on the highway linking Manipur state with the rest of India, paralyzing normal life in the area.

Read: Rioters rampage against residence law in northeast India

N. Biren Singh, a ruling Congress party lawmaker, said the state government blocked wireless Internet and text messaging services on Wednesday to stop rumors provoking people to commit arson.

The violence erupted on Monday after the state legislature approved new legislation defining who can claim to be from Manipur. Rioters set fire to the homes of nine lawmakers.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram ‘roadmap’
Updated 25 Dec, 2024

Kurram ‘roadmap’

The state must provide ironclad guarantees that the local population will be protected from all forms of terrorism.
Snooping state
25 Dec, 2024

Snooping state

THE state’s attempts to pry into citizens’ internet activities continue apace. The latest in this regard is a...
A welcome first step
25 Dec, 2024

A welcome first step

THE commencement of a dialogue between the PTI and the coalition parties occupying the treasury benches in ...
High troop losses
Updated 24 Dec, 2024

High troop losses

Continuing terror attacks show that our counterterrorism measures need a revamp. Localised IBOs appear to be a sound and available option.
Energy conundrum
24 Dec, 2024

Energy conundrum

THE onset of cold weather in the country has brought with it a familiar woe: a severe shortage of piped gas for...
Positive cricket change
24 Dec, 2024

Positive cricket change

HEADING into their Champions Trophy title defence, Pakistan are hitting the right notes. Mohammad Rizwan’s charges...